Canada, UK and Australia all recognize Palestinian state as rebuke to Israel for Gaza war

Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia have officially recognized Palestine as a member state — becoming the first major Western powers to do so ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month.

The decision is part of a rebuke of Israel by the nations over the Jewish state’s war in Gaza.

“Australia’s recognition of Palestine today, alongside Canada and the United Kingdom, is part of a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution, starting with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages taken in the atrocities of October 7, 2023,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote in a statement on Sunday.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted an item on his X social media page showing a photo of himself signing Ottawa’s official declaration granting recognition to a Palestinian state.

Israel has condemned several recent announcements by major Western powers stating their intention to extend recognition to Palestine.

“Today, Canada recognizes the State of Palestine,” Carney wrote on X.

“Since 1947, it has been the policy of every Canadian government to support a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East,” Carney said in a statement released by his office on Sunday.

“This envisioned the creation of a sovereign, democratic, and viable State of Palestine building its future in peace and security alongside the State of Israel.”