BRITAIN, CANADA AND AUSTRALIA RECOGNIZE PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD, DEEPENING ISRAEL’S DIPLOMATIC ISOLATION

In a significant shift in Western foreign policy, Britain, Canada, and Australia formally recognized Palestinian statehood on Sunday, putting them at odds with the United States and Israel. The move comes ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where France and Portugal are also expected to support Palestinian recognition.

“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,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement. Starmer emphasized the recognition is not a reward for Hamas, stating it means Hamas can have “no future, and no role in government”.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada’s recognition, offering partnership for a peaceful future for both Palestine and Israel. “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 wrote.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also formally recognized Palestine, part of a coordinated effort to revive momentum for a two-state solution. “Effective today, Sunday the 21st of September 2025, the Commonwealth of Australia formally recognizes the independent and sovereign State of Palestine,” Albanese stated.

The recognition deepens Israel’s diplomatic isolation, particularly for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who’s faced criticism for his military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. Israel’s response has been strong, with Netanyahu saying there will never be a Palestinian state and accusing recognizing countries of rewarding “Hamas’s monstrous terrorism”.

The move aligns these nations with over 140 UN member states recognizing Palestine, amid growing international pressure over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, where tens of thousands have been killed and the enclave is largely in ruins. France’s President Emmanuel Macron supports recognition, saying nations “have to recognize the legitimate right of Palestinian people to have a state”.