LONDON: In a landmark diplomatic development, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have officially recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, a move that is expected to reshape the global debate on the Middle East conflict and the long-delayed two-state solution.
The UK had earlier set the stage for this decision by issuing an ultimatum to Israel in July, warning that unless concrete steps were taken to end the crisis in Gaza, Britain would proceed with recognizing Palestine by September. That warning has now translated into policy.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a statement posted on the social media platform X, declared that the recognition is intended to keep alive the hope of peace for both Palestinians and Israelis and to preserve the viability of a two-state solution. He underscored, however, that Hamas must play no role in the governance or security structures of the emerging Palestinian state.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also announced his government’s decision, strongly criticizing Israel for what he described as a deliberate and systematic strategy to block Palestinian statehood. Carney revealed that the Palestinian Authority has given assurances to Canada and the international community that it will undertake wide-ranging reforms.
These include overhauling governance structures, holding free and fair general elections by 2026, ensuring Hamas is excluded from political participation, and committing to the creation of a fully demilitarized Palestinian state.
Australia joined its allies in recognizing Palestine, framing the decision as part of broader international efforts to reinvigorate the peace process.
The Australian government emphasized that Hamas must not have any political or security role in Palestine and added that once the Palestinian Authority demonstrates progress on its commitments, Canberra will consider further steps such as establishing diplomatic relations and opening embassies.
The coordinated action by three influential Western nations marks a significant moment in international diplomacy and could inject new momentum into the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
The recognition also increases pressure on other Western allies, particularly within the European Union and North America, to clarify their own positions on Palestinian statehood.
