UK, Canada, and Australia Officially Recognise Palestine in Historic Shift
G7 allies make diplomatic recognition ahead of UN General Assembly, citing worsening Gaza crisis and two-state solution urgency
The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have formally recognised the State of Palestine as of September 21, 2025, marking a historic realignment in Western foreign policy.
Each government framed the move as essential to reviving the two-state solution, amid growing humanitarian concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed that the recognition is not an endorsement of Hamas, but a moral imperative to press for peace.
He emphasized that recognition will be based on conditions including a ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded humanitarian access, cessation of West Bank annexation efforts, and progress toward long-term political commitments to peace.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, announcing Canada’s move, echoed the core aims of this diplomatic shift: supporting peace, preventing a collapse of hope for Palestinian self-determination, and addressing the human cost of war.
Australia also confirmed its recognition, aligning its foreign policy with that of its allies.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asserted that Australia remains committed to recognising Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly, provided that certain commitments from the Palestinian Authority are met.
These include the rejection of Hamas governance, democratic reforms, and securing non-violent paths forward.
Palestinian leadership welcomed the recognitions as “irreversible steps” toward sovereignty and an affirmation of the Palestinian claim to statehood.
Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin described them as pivotal moments in correcting historical injustices and maintaining the possibility of a viable two-state solution.
The response from Israel was swift and condemnatory.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the recognitions “a danger”—arguing that they reward terrorism and compromise peace negotiations.
Israel also warned that the step may bring consequences in bilateral diplomatic and security relationships.
Domestically, all three governments are navigating political tensions.
In the UK, Starmer’s Labour government faced pressure from its left flank and civil society groups to act swiftly.
In Australia, voices urged that recognition not be delayed, though demands that the Palestinian Authority meet specific conditions remain central.
Canada, similarly, emphasised its goals of peace and reconciliation, while signalling that recognition does not absolve either side of obligations under international law.
The recognitions carry symbolic significance and are expected to shape diplomatic pressure on Israel in the build-up to the United Nations General Assembly.
Whether they will translate into tangible changes on the ground—in terms of improved humanitarian conditions, resumption of peace talks, or reforms in Palestinian governance—remains closely watched internationally.
Each government framed the move as essential to reviving the two-state solution, amid growing humanitarian concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed that the recognition is not an endorsement of Hamas, but a moral imperative to press for peace.
He emphasized that recognition will be based on conditions including a ceasefire in Gaza, unimpeded humanitarian access, cessation of West Bank annexation efforts, and progress toward long-term political commitments to peace.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, announcing Canada’s move, echoed the core aims of this diplomatic shift: supporting peace, preventing a collapse of hope for Palestinian self-determination, and addressing the human cost of war.
Australia also confirmed its recognition, aligning its foreign policy with that of its allies.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asserted that Australia remains committed to recognising Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly, provided that certain commitments from the Palestinian Authority are met.
These include the rejection of Hamas governance, democratic reforms, and securing non-violent paths forward.
Palestinian leadership welcomed the recognitions as “irreversible steps” toward sovereignty and an affirmation of the Palestinian claim to statehood.
Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin described them as pivotal moments in correcting historical injustices and maintaining the possibility of a viable two-state solution.
The response from Israel was swift and condemnatory.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the recognitions “a danger”—arguing that they reward terrorism and compromise peace negotiations.
Israel also warned that the step may bring consequences in bilateral diplomatic and security relationships.
Domestically, all three governments are navigating political tensions.
In the UK, Starmer’s Labour government faced pressure from its left flank and civil society groups to act swiftly.
In Australia, voices urged that recognition not be delayed, though demands that the Palestinian Authority meet specific conditions remain central.
Canada, similarly, emphasised its goals of peace and reconciliation, while signalling that recognition does not absolve either side of obligations under international law.
The recognitions carry symbolic significance and are expected to shape diplomatic pressure on Israel in the build-up to the United Nations General Assembly.
Whether they will translate into tangible changes on the ground—in terms of improved humanitarian conditions, resumption of peace talks, or reforms in Palestinian governance—remains closely watched internationally.
