LONDON - In a coordinated diplomatic move, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada announced today their recognition of a Palestinian state, escalating international pressure on Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas and stalled peace negotiations. the decisions, revealed Tuesday, represent a significant shift in policy for all three nations and a renewed push for a two-state solution.
The recognition comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates, with more than 65,000 people reported killed, and a famine declared in Gaza City. It also follows a recent United Nations Human Rights Council report concluding that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza-a charge Israel has vehemently rejected as “distorted and false.” The move is intended to reaffirm commitment to a long-term resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a goal increasingly threatened by expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank, land Palestinians claim for a future state.
The U.K.’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated the recognition of Palestinian statehood is “an affirmation of the right of the palestinian people to self-determination.” Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the decision was made after careful consideration and is in line with a two-state solution. Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said the recognition is a step towards achieving lasting peace.
The timing of the announcements is also linked to growing international frustration with Israel’s continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank, considered illegal under international law by much of the world. Olivia O’sullivan, Director of the U.K. in the World Program at Chatham House, explained the move “has symbolic and historic weight, makes clear the U.K.’s concerns about the survival of a two-state solution, and is intended to keep that goal relevant and alive.”
While the practical implications of recognizing a Palestinian state are limited-Palestine does not have full control over its territory-the symbolic weight is substantial. The international community largely views the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel as the only realistic path to a lasting resolution of the conflict.
The announcements were made independently by each country, but coordinated to maximize impact. Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.