Canada, Australia, adn UK Formally Recognize Palestinian State in Push for Two-State Solution
Ottawa/Canberra/London - May 22, 2024 – In a coordinated move signaling a renewed push for a two-state solution, Canada and Australia have formally recognized the State of Palestine, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada announced Sunday via a post on X. Shortly after, Australia’s prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the decision, making the two nations the first and second G7 countries to do so. Britain followed suit, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing the UK’s recognition on X as well.
“Canada recognizes the state of Palestine and offers our partnership to lay the foundation for a promise of a peaceful future for both the state of Palestine and the state of Israel,” carney wrote.
Albanese stated the recognition was “part of a joint effort with Canada and the United Kingdom to create a two-state solution.”
Starmer, in a video posted on social media, explained, ”In order to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and the hope of a two-state solution, Britain formally recognizes the state of Palestine.” He further encouraged other nations to “direct their efforts” towards achieving “the peaceful future that we want to see.”
Starmer reiterated the critical need for the release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas, an end to violence and suffering, and a return to a two-state solution. He had previously stated in July that Britain would recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel reached a ceasefire with Hamas, allowed increased aid into gaza, and engaged in a peace process leading to a two-state solution, as reported by Reuters.
The announcements come as the UN General Assembly is set to begin Monday, with expectations that another ten countries will also recognize Palestine as an self-reliant state. Over 150 countries already recognize Palestine, including Spain, Norway, Ireland, and Sweden (which recognized Palestine as early as 2014), with Portugal announcing its recognition on Saturday.
Israel’s prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognition by these countries earlier this month, accusing them of “rewarding Hamas monstrous terrorism” and asserting that a Palestinian state “will never exist.”
