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Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia have officially recognized Palestine as a member state — becoming the first major Western powers to do so ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month.
The decision is part of a rebuke of Israel by the nations over the Jewish state’s war in Gaza.
Israeli politicians have said the move only emboldens Hamas, and have even threatened annexing the West Bank in response.
“Australia’s recognition of Palestine today, alongside Canada and the United Kingdom, is part of a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution, starting with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages taken in the atrocities of October 7, 2023,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote in a statement on Sunday.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted an item on his X social media page showing a photo of himself signing Ottawa’s official declaration granting recognition to a Palestinian state.
Israel has condemned several recent announcements by major Western powers stating their intention to extend recognition to Palestine.
“Today, Canada recognizes the State of Palestine,” Carney wrote on X.
“Since 1947, it has been the policy of every Canadian government to support a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East,” Carney said in a statement released by his office on Sunday.
“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.”
Earlier this year, a new wave of countries announced their intention to recognize the State of Palestine, many of them timing the move to the United Nations General Assembly.
The list includes France, Belgium, Portugal, Luxembourg, Malta and San Marino.
While Belgium has made its recognition conditional on certain requirements and San Marino has outlined a gradual process, the others are preparing to formalize recognition in New York alongside the UN gathering.
More than 145 UN member states already recognize Palestine prior to the recent announcements.
The latest moves stand out because they involve several major Western powers, marking a significant shift in diplomatic support for Palestinian statehood.
