UK, Canada and Australia formally recognize State of Palestine

Canada recognizes Palestine

Canada became the first G7 country to formally recognize Palestinian independence.

In his statement, Prime Minister Mark Carney said that since 1947, Canadian government policy has supported a two-state solution to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.

"This envisioned the creation of a sovereign, democratic, and viable State of Palestine building its future in peace and security alongside the State of Israel," Carney said.

He emphasized that for decades, Canada had expected that such an outcome would eventually be reached through a peace settlement. However, this possibility was undermined by both Hamas and Israel.

The Prime Minister noted that Hamas terrorizes the people of Israel and oppresses residents of Gaza, which carried out an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. He stressed that it is crucial for the group to release all hostages, fully disarm, and play no role in the future governance of Palestine.

"Hamas has stolen from the Palestinian people, cheated them of their life and liberty, and can in no way dictate their future," the official said.

At the same time, the Israeli government has methodically worked to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state. It has pursued relentless settlement expansion in the West Bank, violating international law. Attacks on Gaza have resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths and widespread hunger.

"It is now the avowed policy of the current Israeli government that 'there will be no Palestinian state'. It is in this context that Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel," Carney said.

The United Kingdom recognizes Palestine

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a video statement saying that his country has also officially recognized Palestine.

"Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine," Starmer said.

He added that Hamas cannot have a future and should play no role in the government or security of Palestine.

Australia recognizes Palestine

Australia became another country to recognize Palestine. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted a statement on the social media platform X.

"The Commonwealth of Australia formally recognizes the independent and sovereign State of Palestine. In doing so, Australia recognizes the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own," the statement said.

It also noted that recognition of Palestine is part of coordinated international efforts regarding Palestine and Israel, beginning with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages captured during the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Albanese also emphasized that Hamas should not play any role in Palestine.

Recognition of Palestine

According to the 1947 UN General Assembly resolution, the plan in the Middle East called for the creation of two states — Israel and Palestine. However, after a series of armed conflicts between Israel and its neighboring Arab countries, the Jewish state was established. At the same time, Palestinian groups were left without territory and began a terrorist war against Israel.

In the early 1990s, a reconciliation process began between Israelis and Palestinians, leading to the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority. However, the PNA is still not a fully sovereign state, as Israel controls its borders and more.

Currently, 139 of the 193 UN member states recognize Palestine as an independent state.

After Hamas invaded Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip in 2023, Israel launched a war against Hamas. The war in Gaza is ongoing. This has led to Western criticism of Israel. In 2024, Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their recognition of the State of Palestine. About a dozen other countries, including several European nations, declared similar intentions this year.

For a detailed analysis of why Western countries have started talking about recognizing Palestine, read RBC-Ukraine's full report.