Britain, Australia, Canada Recognise Palestinian State in Major Policy Shift

London/Canberra/Ottawa — Britain, Australia and Canada on Sunday formally recognised the Palestinian State, marking a historic departure from decades of Western foreign policy and drawing an immediate rebuke from Israel.

Portugal was also set to announce recognition later in the day, as international pressure on Israel mounted nearly two years into the Gaza conflict, sparked by the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023.

“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,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared in a post on X. Britain and Canada are the first G7 nations to extend formal recognition, with France and others expected to follow at the United Nations General Assembly opening Monday in New York.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government was committed to supporting a future of “peaceful coexistence,” writing on X: “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.”

In Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Australia’s decision, saying his country “formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine.”

“In doing so, Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own,” Albanese said in a statement. “Today’s act of recognition reflects Australia’s longstanding commitment to a two-state solution, which has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples.”

The coordinated moves by three major Western allies signal a dramatic shift in international diplomacy, further isolating Israel as calls intensify for an end to the Gaza war.