UK, Canada, Australia Recognise Palestine As State

…Death, Destruction In Gaza Horrifies Us All – Starmer

The United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have recognised the state of Palestine amid efforts for a two-state solution and to ease the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision in a video statement on Sunday, declaring that “the moment for recognising Palestinian statehood has now arrived.”

He stressed that the UK was joining more than 150 nations worldwide in extending formal recognition, calling it “a pledge to both the Palestinian and Israeli people that there can be a better future.”

Starmer condemned the devastation in Gaza, describing it as “utterly intolerable.” He said tens of thousands had been killed, including civilians seeking food and water, and demanded Israel lift restrictions at border crossings to allow a surge of humanitarian aid.

“This death and destruction horrifies us all,” he added.

Canada became the first G7 country to formally recognise Palestinian statehood earlier on Sunday, with Prime Minister Mark Carney stating that it also pushes for a two-state solution.

“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 stated.

Australia followed, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirming his government’s recognition as part of a joint international effort to revive negotiations for a two-state solution.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued that recognising Palestinian statehood “rewards Hamas terror” and complicates hostage negotiations.

Families of Israelis still held in Gaza echoed this concern in an open letter to Starmer, warning that recognition “dramatically complicates efforts to bring home our loved ones.”

The United States has distanced itself from its allies’ decision. President Donald Trump, during his recent state visit to London, said recognition of Palestine was “one of our few disagreements” with the UK, insisting that freeing Israeli hostages should remain the immediate priority.

The United States has stated it has “no plans” to take similar action.

Starmer, however, insisted that recognition was not a concession to Hamas, but rather a rejection of the group’s violent ideology.

“Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of Hamas’s hateful vision. Hamas can have no future, no role in government, and no role in security, Starmer said.

Palestinian representatives welcomed the announcement. Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian Authority’s envoy to the UK, said “the wrongs of the past are beginning to be corrected,” stressing that recognition was essential for peace and long overdue.