On Sunday, September 21, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal simultaneously announced their recognition of the State of Palestine, joining the ranks of over 140 countries that have expressed support. This move immediately provoked a strong backlash from Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized it as a “massive reward” for terrorism.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated in a declaration that the UK officially recognizes the State of Palestine with the aim of “reviving hope for peace” and promoting the “two-state solution.” He criticized Israel’s ongoing bombings and blockade in Gaza, calling the current situation “completely intolerable.” The UK had been granted international authorization to oversee Palestine after World War I, and this decision is seen as carrying significant historical symbolism.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that recognizing the State of Palestine is not a concession to Hamas but rather a move to create conditions for peaceful coexistence. The Australian government similarly asserts that the conflict must be resolved through political channels.
Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel announced at the United Nations headquarters that recognizing Palestine is a “basic position” of Portuguese foreign policy and called for an immediate ceasefire. He also underscored that Hamas cannot continue to control Gaza and demanded the release of all hostages.
As Israel’s closest ally, the United States has not immediately commented on the decisions of the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. President Trump has previously expressed clear opposition to recognizing Palestine.
Netanyahu stressed that the State of Palestine “will never be established west of the Jordan River.” He referenced the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of 251 individuals, warning that recognizing Palestine in this context would amount to endorsing violence.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas stated that this move will promote Palestinians and Israelis “living side by side in security and peace.”
Hamas welcomed the Western actions but demanded that they be accompanied by “tangible actions,” including ending the conflict and preventing Israel from annexing the West Bank.
As Israel’s closest ally, the United States has not yet commented on the developments. President Trump has previously expressed clear opposition to recognizing Palestine.
Burcu Ozcelik, a senior researcher on Middle Eastern security at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London, told the Associated Press that unless the United States changes its stance, recognizing Palestine only holds symbolic significance and is unlikely to alter the realities on the ground.
(Adapted from reports by The Associated Press and Reuters)