Journalism of Courage
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the establishment of a Palestinian state “will not happen,” after UK, Canada and Australia formally recognised a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu criticised the move, saying it gave a “prize” to Hamas. “It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River,” he said. Netanyahu added that Israel’s response would be announced after his trip to the United States next week, where he is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump at the White House.
The recognition by the three Western allies is seen as a signal of concern over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and its continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK’s move is aimed “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis.” Starmer added that the recognition was not intended as a reward for Hamas, which carried out attacks on October 7, 2023, that killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250 others.
“Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly as prime minister of this great country that the United Kingdom formally recognises the state of Palestine,” Starmer said. “We recognised the state of Israel more than 75 years ago as a homeland for the Jewish people. Today we join over 150 countries who recognise a Palestinian state also. A pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people that there can be a better future.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the announcements as “part of a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution.” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed Britain’s recognition, calling it an important step toward a just peace under international law.
Netanyahu said Israel would fight “against the false propaganda against us and the calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state that will endanger our existence and constitute an absurd reward for terrorism. The international community will hear from us on this matter in the coming days,” according to AP.
Experts say recognition by the UK and other countries carries historical significance. Burcu Ozcelik, senior research fellow at the London-based Royal United Services Institute, said: “It’s significant for France and the UK to recognise Palestine because of the legacy of these two countries’ involvement in the Middle East. But without the United States coming on board, very little will change on the ground.”
Husam Zomlot, Palestinian head of mission in the UK, told the BBC that recognition would correct a historical wrong. “The issue today is ending the denial of our existence that started 108 years ago, in 1917,” he said.
