In a major diplomatic development, three key Western nations—Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia—formally recognized the State of Palestine on Sunday, amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
The move comes just days after 142 countries, including India, voted in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution endorsing the “New York Declaration” on a peaceful settlement of the Palestine issue and the implementation of the two-state solution.
“Today, to revive the hope of peace for Palestinians and Israelis, and to advance a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on X.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a similar declaration, emphasizing his country’s commitment to peace.
“Canada recognizes 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,” he said.
Australian leaders echoed this position, aligning with Canada and the UK in recognizing Palestine as a step toward ending decades of conflict.
Welcoming the decision, Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin said the move strengthens international law and safeguards the two-state solution.
“We welcome the decisive and historic decisions of the UK, Canada, and Australia to recognize the State of Palestine. These principled steps uphold international law, protect the two-state solution, and demonstrate a true commitment to ending the occupation and achieving a just peace,” Shahin wrote on X.
The UN resolution backing the “New York Declaration” was adopted by a wide margin. The United States, Israel, and eight other countries voted against it, while 12 nations abstained.