Canada and Australia have joined the United Kingdom in officially recognising the State of Palestine, even as Israel presses ahead with settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and escalates its offensive on Gaza.
Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney,, in a statement, confirmed Ottawa’s recognition, saying Canada “offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the state of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
Carney accused Israel of actively working against Palestinian statehood, stating the Israeli government was acting “methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established.”
“Recognising the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas. This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it,” he added.
The Canadian leader also revealed that the Palestinian Authority had given “direct commitments” to Canada to reform governance, organise general elections next year, excluding Hamas and demilitarise the state.
Meanwhile, Australia confirmed it was also extending recognition to Palestine. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, described the decision as part of “an international effort for a two-state solution.”
Albanese stressed that the move was aimed at restoring momentum for peace, “The decision was to revive momentum for a two-state solution that begins with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the captives.” The statement also underlined that Hamas must have “no role in Palestine.”
The recognitions were coordinated with the UK, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared his government was formally recognising Palestinian statehood shortly after the announcements in Ottawa and Canberra.
Starmer said recognition would “revive hope for peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two – state solution.”
The coordinated recognition by three key Western allies marks a significant diplomatic shift and underscores Israel’s growing international isolation amid its war on Gaza, which has already claimed more than 65,200 Palestinian lives.
Israel and the United States maintain that granting Palestinian statehood during the war would amount to a “reward” for Hamas.
At the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, more nations, including France, are expected to formally recognise Palestine.
Meanwhile, conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate: a child has reportedly died of malnutrition while dozens of others were killed as Israeli forces stepped up strikes on Gaza City.
