UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal Officially Recognize Palestinian State Amid Gaza Conflict

In a landmark decision on Sunday, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal officially recognized the State of Palestine, marking a notable departure from traditional Western support for Israel and intensifying the diplomatic landscape amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The recognition reflects growing frustration over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza following Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered a nearly two-year war. The move aligns these countries with over 140 others that back Palestinian efforts to establish an independent state from the occupied territories.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the symbolic significance of Britain’s recognition, given its historical role in the establishment of Israel post-World War II. He stated, "Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine. The man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths. The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing bombardment of Gaza, the offensive of recent weeks, the starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable."

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed these sentiments, underscoring that recognition aims to support peaceful coexistence and does not condone terrorism. Meanwhile, Portugal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel reaffirmed his country’s commitment to a two-state solution as the sole pathway to lasting peace and called for an urgent ceasefire.

The response from Israel was swift and vehement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognitions, declaring, "You are giving a huge reward to terrorism. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River." Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced plans to propose formal sovereignty over parts of the West Bank, signaling possible annexation.

The conflict has resulted in staggering casualties: over 1,200 Israelis killed in the Hamas attack, alongside more than 65,000 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, killed in subsequent Israeli military operations according to local health authorities.

Palestinian leaders welcomed the recognitions as a crucial step toward peace. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the move as paving the way for coexistence "in security, peace, and good neighborliness." Hamas also endorsed the recognition but called for immediate practical measures to end the Gaza war and prevent West Bank annexation.

Public opinion in London reflected a range of views, with some seeing the recognition as a vital step toward peace and others skeptical about its impact amid ongoing violence. Critics like Mandy Damari, mother of a British-Israeli hostage, labeled the UK’s stance as "a two-state delusion" that rewards Hamas even as hostages remain captive and conflict persists.

The British-Palestinian mission in London celebrated the announcement, signaling the potential upgrade of its status to an embassy. Mission head Husam Zomlot remarked, "Today is a moment when the UK Prime Minister and the British government, on behalf of their people, stand and say: ‘We must correct history, we must right the wrongs.’"

This wave of recognition comes ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, where other nations, including France, are expected to announce similar decisions amid mounting international pressure to address the Gaza crisis and revive peace efforts.

The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has not yet commented on these recognitions but has historically opposed unilateral acknowledgments of a Palestinian state.