UK, Australia and Canada Formally Recognize Palestinian State

The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada announced their formal recognition of one sovereign Palestinian state on Sunday, in a move that is categorically rejected both by Israel and some of the families of the Israeli hostages who remain in the hands of Hamas in the continuing war.

At least 150 of the 193 United Nations (UN) member states have recognized the State of Palestine so far, as international pressure peaks for the termination of the Hamas-Israel war and the establishment of peace in Gaza.

Three nations recognise a Palestinian state

The three powerful nations—two of whom are G7 member countries and one is a G20 member—announced their recognition of a single Palestinian state with a few minutes’ difference on Sunday.

The first announcement came from Canada in the form of a written statement by Prime Minister Mark Carney.

“Since 1947, it has been the policy of every Canadian government to support a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East. This envisioned the creation of a sovereign, democratic, and viable State of Palestine building its future in peace and security alongside the State of Israel,” Canada’s Prime Minister Carney said.

While he acknowledged Hamas’ practice of terrorizing Israel and oppressing the people of Gaza, Carney also argued that “the current Israeli government is working methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established.”

“Recognizing the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas,” he added.

The UK followed on a milder tone.

“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. That means a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment, we have neither,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a video announcement posted on X.

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

Australia had previously announced its intention to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, scheduled for next week, September 22-28. The announcement of intent came in August.

In a joint statement, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong said “the terrorist organisation Hamas must have no role in Palestine,” but “the leadership of the states of the Arab League and the United States” is vital to the reconstruction of Gaza and the establishment of peace in the area.

Israeli PM, families of hostages react

Writing in a lengthy post on X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry has categorically rejected “the one-sided declaration of the recognition of a Palestinian state made by the United Kingdom and some other countries.”

“This declaration does not promote peace, but on the contrary, further destabilizes the region and undermines the chances of achieving a peaceful solution in the future,” the post reads.

Israel argues that the Palestinian Authority failed to meet “any of its requirements and obligations; it did not stop neither the incitement nor the pay-for-slay policy, nor did it take the required measures to combat terrorism.”

They hold that the Palestinian Authority is part of the problem and not part of the solution, and called today’s announcements “political gestures aimed at a domestic voting audience.”

Recognizing a Palestinian state now is handing Hamas a prize for terror.

Almost 90% of Britons understand this and oppose their leaders’ decision. pic.twitter.com/1rgcMYT7z7

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) September 21, 2025

A group of relatives of 16 hostages taken during Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, had urged the UK prime minister on Saturday not to go ahead with his plan to recognise a Palestinian state.

“Your regrettable announcement of the UK’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly has dramatically complicated efforts to bring home our loved ones,” they wrote in an open letter.

“Hamas has already celebrated the UK’s decision as a victory and reneged on a ceasefire deal. We write to you with a simple plea—do not take this step until our loved ones are home and in our arms.”

Greece’s stance on the Palestinian issue

Earlier this month, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that Greece will recognize the State of Palestine, stressing that the timing and manner of the decision will be carefully considered.

“The question is when, how, and under what circumstances we decide it will give the strongest push toward what I believe must be the ultimate goal: a two-state solution,” the Greek Premier said during a press conference at the 89th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).