- Israel reacts angrily as Portugal to follow amid momentum building for two-state solution
- Netanyahu slams Western allies, declaring recognition of a Palestinian state threat ‘our existence’
LONDON/OTTAWA/CANBERRA: In a landmark diplomatic shift, Britain, Australia and Canada on Sunday formally recognized a Palestinian state, breaking with decades of Western policy and sparking immediate Israeli condemnation. Portugal also announced it would follow suit later in the day, as international pressure on Israel mounted over its military campaign in Gaza, now nearing its second anniversary since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement on X.
Britain thus became the first G7 nation to take the step, alongside Canada, with France and other European countries expected to discuss similar moves at the UN General Assembly opening in New York on Monday.
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
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared on X: “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.”
Today, Canada recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/zhumVJRBfe
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) September 21, 2025
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a similar announcement, saying his country “formally recognizes the independent and sovereign State of Palestine,” stressing that the decision reflected “the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own.”
My statement formally recognising the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/LnmrX29TCV
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 21, 2025
The coordinated recognition marked a watershed moment for Palestinians, long told that statehood would only follow a negotiated settlement with Israel. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas hailed the move as “an important and necessary step toward achieving a just and lasting peace in accordance with international legitimacy.” He reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian access, prisoner releases, Israel’s withdrawal from the enclave, and a halt to settlement expansion.
Australia will continue to work with our international partners to build on today’s act of recognition and to bring the Middle East closer to lasting peace and security. pic.twitter.com/p25oC3v8GN
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 21, 2025
Hamas also welcomed the development, describing it as a “victory for Palestinian rights” and proof that Israeli “crimes” could not erase their national aspirations.
But Israel reacted with fury. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to oppose the move at the UN, declaring that recognition of a Palestinian state “would endanger our existence and serve as an absurd reward for terrorism.”
The decision underscores a deepening split within Western allies. While the US has maintained its opposition, three-quarters of UN member states—over 140 of 193—already recognise Palestinian statehood.
The timing of the announcement reflects growing discontent with Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which has left at least 65,208 Palestinians dead, mostly civilians, according to UN-verified health ministry figures, alongside catastrophic destruction and food shortages. Hamas’s 2023 attack had killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians.
In Britain, pressure has grown sharply on the new Labour government, with mass pro-Palestinian demonstrations and polls showing strong support among younger voters for statehood recognition. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy had acknowledged Britain’s “special responsibility” stemming from the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which paved the way for Israel’s creation.
Starmer has tied recognition to broader demands: a Gaza ceasefire, increased aid flows, guarantees against West Bank annexation, and the release of remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas. New sanctions against the group are expected soon.
Portugal confirmed it would also announce recognition in New York, with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa saying, “By acting now, we’re keeping alive the possibility of having two states.”
As the UN General Assembly opens, the coordinated recognitions signal a dramatic escalation in diplomatic pressure on Israel, while injecting fresh momentum into the long-stalled two-state solution—long seen internationally as the only viable path to lasting peace.
