UK, Canada, Australia Recognize Palestine, Breaking With US on Statehood

G7 nations recognizing Palestine LONDON: In a historic diplomatic shift, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have formally recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, breaking with decades of policy alignment with the United States and Israel. The coordinated move came just ahead of France’s expected declaration at the United Nations. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the recognition on Sunday, citing the urgent need to revive hopes of a two-state solution. Starmer, under growing domestic and international pressure over Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, said: “Today, to revive the hope of peace for Palestinians and Israelis, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine.” Israel’s response was swift. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the move, declaring: “A Palestinian state will not be established. Those leaders are giving a reward to terror.” The recognition follows mounting anger in Western capitals over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which Palestinian health officials say has killed more than 65,000 people, mostly women and children, since October 2023. More than 140 countries already recognize Palestine, but the decision by three G7 members marks a turning point, especially given Britain’s historical role in the region during its mandate era and the Balfour Declaration of 1917. While the recognition is largely symbolic without UN Security Council approval — where the US maintains veto power — analysts say it adds momentum to growing international support for Palestinian sovereignty. The Palestinian mission in London welcomed the move, calling it a long-overdue step toward justice. Human rights advocates, however, stressed that recognition must be paired with concrete measures to halt the ongoing destruction in Gaza.