In a landmark move, the governments of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have formally joined dozens of nations in recognizing a Palestinian state, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from both the United States and Israel.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the announcement on Sunday, stressing that the decision is aimed at reviving hopes for peace between Palestinians and Israelis.
“Let’s be clear: Hamas is a violent terrorist organization. Our push for a genuine two-state solution stands in direct contrast to their destructive vision,” Starmer declared.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed this sentiment, saying on social media that Canada’s recognition comes with a commitment to building “a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the joint recognition as part of a coordinated international effort to accelerate momentum toward a two-state solution.
The announcement marks a watershed moment for Palestinians, who have sought international recognition of statehood for decades. More than 140 countries have already taken this step, with France expected to join in at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly.
Israel, however, reacted angrily. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the move outright, accusing Western allies of handing Hamas a “reward.”
“No Palestinian state will be established west of the Jordan River,” Netanyahu declared, vowing to respond after his upcoming meeting with President Trump in Washington. Trump, during a recent visit to London, also expressed disapproval of Britain’s decision.
Though largely symbolic, the recognition is seen as historic, particularly given Britain’s role in the region during the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which laid the groundwork for Israel’s establishment.
French President Emmanuel Macron argued that recognizing Palestine is essential to counter Hamas’ objectives. “The goal of Hamas is not to build a Palestinian state, but to destroy Israel,” he said, noting that recognition strengthens peace efforts rather than undermines them.
Still, critics especially the U.S. and Israel insist the move is misguided, claiming it rewards Hamas for its October 7, 2023 attacks that killed around 1,200 Israelis and led to hundreds being abducted.
For Palestinians, however, the recognition is seen as correcting a historic injustice. Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian envoy to the U.K., called it “a day when wrongs of the past are finally beginning to be righted.”
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