Canada, UK and Australia formally recognise a Palestinian state | World News
Canada, the UK and Australia recognize a Palestinian state despite opposition from the US and Israel. (File Photo)
UK, Canada and Australia on Sunday announced they are formally recognising a Palestinian state, despite opposition from the United States and Israel.
British Prime Miner Keir Starmer said the step was intended “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis.” He added that Hamas would have no role in the governance of a future Palestinian state and must release the hostages it still holds from the October 7, 2023 attacks.
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. pic.twitter.com/yrg6Lywc1s— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 21, 2025
Starmer’s decision follows his July pledge that the United Kingdom would recognise Palestine unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and allowed humanitarian aid to flow.
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In Toronto, Canadian Prime Miner Mark Carney confirmed Canada’s decision. “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 said in a statement shared on X.
Today, Canada recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/zhumVJRBfe— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) September 21, 2025
Carney said the recognition was intended to strengthen those who want peace. “Recognising the State of Palestine, led the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexence and the end of Hamas. This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it,” he said.
Australia also said it was recognising a Palestinian state, becoming the latest Western government to take that step ahead of this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York.
More than 145 UN member states already recognise Palestine. France is expected to follow on Monday, with President Emmanuel Macron scheduled to make the announcement at a UN conference co-chaired with Saudi Arabia.
