Canada, UK and Australia formally recognise a Palestinian state
More than 145 UN member states already recognise Palestine. France is expected to follow on Monday, with President Emmanuel Macron scheduled to make the announcement at a UN conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia.
September 21, 2025 07:48 PM IST
First published on: Sep 21, 2025 at 07:26 PM IST
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Canada, the UK and Australia recognize a Palestinian state despite opposition from the US and Israel. (File Photo)
UK, Canada and Australia on Sunday announced they are formally recognising a Palestinian state, despite opposition from the United States and Israel.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the step was intended “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis.” He added that Hamas would have no role in the governance of a future Palestinian state and must release the hostages it still holds from the October 7, 2023 attacks.
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. pic.twitter.com/yrg6Lywc1s
Starmer’s decision follows his July pledge that the United Kingdom would recognise Palestine unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and allowed humanitarian aid to flow. “We are working to reform the Palestinian Authority, and we have to keep two states alive for the children of both Gaza and the West Bank and East Jerusalem,” Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said.
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In Toronto, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed Canada’s decision. “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 in a statement shared on X.
Carney said the recognition was intended to strengthen those who want peace. “Recognising the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas. This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it,” he said.
Australia also said it was recognising a Palestinian state, becoming the latest Western government to take that step ahead of this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York.
More than 145 UN member states already recognise Palestine. France is expected to follow on Monday, with President Emmanuel Macron scheduled to make the announcement at a UN conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia.
The United States and Israel have criticised the recognitions, saying they reward Hamas and undermine the chances of direct negotiations. US President Donald Trump said Canada’s decision “will make it very hard” to reach a trade deal with Washington.
Israel’s government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects a two-state solution.
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Canada, the UK and Australia recognize a Palestinian state despite opposition from the US and Israel. (File Photo) 
