'To Revive Hope Of Peace...': UK Joins Australia And Canada To Recognise 'Palestinian State'

Last Updated:September 21, 2025, 19:23 IST

The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada on Sunday officially recognised the "State of Palestine", announcing the move in a joint statement

UK PM Keir Starmer | Image: File

The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada on Sunday officially recognised the “State of Palestine", announcing the move in a joint statement aimed at reviving momentum for a two-state solution.

The recognition comes ahead of the UN General Assembly this week, where countries like France are also expected to extend formal statehood recognition to Palestine.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Hamas would have “no role in the future of Palestine" and urged the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

“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," he said in a video statement.

“In the face of the growing horrors in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution," Starmer said on Sunday.

“That means a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment we have neither."

The move drew criticism from Israel and the United States, which argue that recognising Palestine could empower extremists and reward Hamas, the group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel that sparked the ongoing conflict.

Despite the opposition from the US, Canada also recognised a Palestinian state, with the “hope it paves the way for peace based on two states living side by side."

“Recognising the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas. This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it," said Canadian PM Mark Carney.

“Furthermore, it in no way compromises Canada’s steadfast support for the State of Israel, its people, and their security – security that can only ultimately be guaranteed through the achievement of a comprehensive two-state solution."

Australia also formally recognised Palestine as a “sovereign state", joining over 150 countries that have already done so.

The announcement comes as an Australian delegation led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Prime Minister’s office stated that the recognition acknowledges the long-standing aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood.

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News world UK Joins Canada And Australia In Recognising ‘Palestinian State’ Ahead Of UN General Assembly

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