UK, Australia and Canada recognise Palestinian state

Britain bears ‘burden of responsibility’: FM

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Britain, Australia and Canada on Sunday recognised a Palestinian state in a coordinated, seismic shift from decades of Western foreign policy, triggering swift anger from Israel.

Portugal was also set to recognise Palestinian statehood later Sunday, as Israel comes under huge international pressure over its war against Hamas in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation in the besieged territory.

“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,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a message on X.

The three countries became the first members of the Group of Seven advanced economies to take the step, with France and other nations expected to follow at the annual United Nations General Assembly which opened yesterday in New York.

“Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future,’ Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Canberra's move “recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine toa state of their own’