Did UK, Canada, and Australia just change Middle East history? Palestine officially recognized amid Gaza war

In a coordinated move that could reshape Middle East diplomacy, three major Western nations — the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia — have formally recognized Palestine as an independent state.

The announcement began in London, where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that the U.K. was taking the step to revive peace negotiations and restore faith in the two-state solution.
“Today, to help bring the peace process back to life, the United Kingdom officially recognizes the State of Palestine,” Starmer said on Sunday.

Soon after, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed the decision on his official X handle, calling the move a commitment to “a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.” This makes Canada the first G7 nation to extend such recognition.

By Sunday evening, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that his government had also granted full recognition to Palestine, stressing that Australia supports “the independent and sovereign State of Palestine.”

This alignment places all three nations alongside several other countries that have recently made similar declarations, just as world leaders prepare for the United Nations General Assembly this week.

Israel Pushes Back Against Recognition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted sharply, calling the move “an absurd reward for terrorism” and vowing to fight against the recognition “in every international arena.”

“It will not happen,” Netanyahu insisted, rejecting the idea of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry also issued a statement, saying the decision by the U.K., Canada, and Australia “does not promote peace, but instead undermines stability and reduces the chances of a negotiated solution.”

What the Recognition Means for Palestinians

While the decision is largely symbolic, it provides Palestinians with increased diplomatic weight, expanded legitimacy in treaty-making, and momentum in their decades-long quest for statehood.

On the ground, however, the humanitarian crisis remains dire. Nearly 65,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, according to the Palestinian health ministry, with much of the enclave reduced to rubble and its population displaced multiple times. Israeli strikes continued over the weekend, with at least 34 deaths reported in Gaza City overnight.

Why the Move Matters Now

The coordinated recognition reflects mounting international frustration with the ongoing war in Gaza and growing pressure on Israel from some of its traditional allies.

In July, the U.K. warned that unless Israel took “substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza,” recognition of Palestine would become inevitable. Sunday’s announcement delivers on that promise.

Starmer underscored the urgency: “In the face of growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace. That means a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state — at the moment, we have neither.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which countries just recognized Palestine?
On Sunday, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia officially recognized Palestine as an independent state.

2. Why did the U.K., Canada, and Australia recognize Palestine now?
Leaders of the three countries said the decision aims to revive peace talks and push for a two-state solution amid mounting criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza.

3. What is Israel’s reaction to the recognition of Palestine?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the move, calling it a “prize for terrorism,” and the Israeli Foreign Ministry said it undermines peace efforts.

4. Does this recognition create a Palestinian state immediately?
No. The recognition is mostly symbolic but grants Palestinians greater diplomatic legitimacy and influence in international forums.

5. How many people have been killed in Gaza since 2023?
According to local health officials, more than 65,000 people — including thousands of children — have died since October 2023.

6. Is this the first time a G7 nation recognized Palestine?
Yes. Canada’s recognition marks the first by a member of the Group of Seven (G7) nations.