UK, Canada, and Australia Recognize Palestine in Diplomatic Breakthrough

Report by “Safarti Tarjuman” International News Desk

New York — In a landmark diplomatic development, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have formally recognized the State of Palestine, joining a growing wave of international support for the long-delayed two-state solution. The announcements came Sunday, ahead of a special United Nations conference where several other nations are expected to follow suit.

The coordinated declarations mark the first time members of the G7 have formally recognized Palestinian statehood, signaling a significant policy shift among Israel’s closest allies.

The recognition by London, Ottawa, and Canberra coincides with similar moves by Portugal, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, and Liechtenstein, expected to be finalized by Monday. Their decisions will add to the 147 UN member states that already recognize Palestine, pushing international support past the 150-country threshold.

The move is widely seen as part of a larger strategy to keep the two-state solution alive, amid concerns that Israel’s rapid West Bank settlement expansion and ongoing military operations in Gaza are eroding hopes for peace.

Statements from World Leaders

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “We are acting to preserve the possibility of peace — a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state. At present, we have neither.”
• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted: “Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and stands ready to partner in building a peaceful and prosperous future.”
• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared: “This recognition affirms the legitimate and long-standing aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own.”

Israel has warned it may retaliate by annexing parts of the West Bank, particularly the sensitive E1 corridor near East Jerusalem, a move that could fracture Palestinian territorial continuity. Analysts warn such annexation could trigger European trade sanctions and deepen Israel’s global isolation, with some even raising the prospect of suspension from the UN.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged nations “not to be intimidated by threats of retaliation,” stressing that international recognition was vital to preventing the collapse of peace efforts.

The recognition wave has been largely championed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has warned that new Israeli settlements are creating an “emergency situation” where a two-state solution may soon become impossible. Macron emphasized that recognition is “not a reward for Hamas,” but rather a necessary step to safeguard peace prospects.

The French plan ties recognition to Palestinian Authority (PA) reforms, including:

• Replacing Hamas rule in Gaza with a restructured PA following a ceasefire.
• Deploying a UN-mandated international force to oversee Gaza security.
• Expanding training of Palestinian police with international oversight.

The recognition wave places pressure on Germany, Italy, and Baltic states, which remain hesitant but face mounting political calls to act. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates, a key signatory of the Abraham Accords, has warned that any Israeli annexation would be a “red line” jeopardizing regional integration.

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