London: The UK, Australia, Canada, and Portugal have formally recognised a Palestinian state, marking a significant diplomatic shift that has sparked strong opposition from the US and Israel. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the decision aims "to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution." The recognition by these countries represents a historic change in decades of Western foreign policy, eliciting a swift and furious response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who vowed that a Palestinian state would never materialize.
According to France24.com, other countries, including France, are expected to follow suit at the annual UN General Assembly opening in New York. The UK and Canada have become the first members of the Group of Seven advanced economies to take this step. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned that the move acknowledges "the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine," while Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel emphasized that a two-state solution is "the only path to a just and lasting peace."
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have welcomed the recognition as a victory. Salwa Mansour, a 35-year-old displaced resident from Rafah, expressed that the recognition is a moral victory, stating, "This recognition shows that the world is finally starting to hear our voice." Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also hailed the recognitions as "an important and necessary step towards achieving a just and lasting peace."
The recognition puts the four countries at odds with the United States and Israel. US President Donald Trump remarked that Palestinian statehood is "one of our few disagreements." Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has insisted that releasing hostages captured by Hamas in 2023 is a requirement before France potentially opens an embassy in Palestine.
The shift in position by these countries comes as Israel has intensified its Gaza offensive following Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. The UK, among others, has faced increasing public pressure to act, with frequent rallies urging the government to address the situation in the Middle East. Despite ongoing challenges and obstacles to achieving statehood, the recognition by these nations represents a significant moment for Palestinians and their aspirations.