UK, Canada and Australia officially recognise Palestinian state

September 21, 2025 by News Desk

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The United Kingdom has formally recognised a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in a video message on Sunday. The move came shortly after similar declarations from Canada and Australia, marking a major policy shift among Western powers.

Canada was the first G7 nation to announce recognition, with Prime Minister Mark Carney saying it was a step toward “a peaceful future for both Palestine and Israel.” Australia quickly followed, and Starmer confirmed Britain’s decision minutes later.

Starmer said the UK’s recognition was aimed at “reviving the hope of peace and a two-state solution,” adding that it was “not a reward for Hamas.” He stressed that Hamas would have no role in a future Palestinian government or security arrangements and reiterated calls for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Israel strongly condemned the move. Its foreign ministry called the recognition “a reward for Hamas,” accusing the UK of emboldening the group after the 7 October 2023 attack. Families of hostages also voiced concern, warning in an open letter that the decision “complicates efforts” to bring their loved ones home.

In Ramallah, Palestinians welcomed the UK’s decision with cautious optimism. “We hope all European countries will follow,” said Mohammad Hasib, 30. Others, however, expressed fears that Israel could respond with harsher measures, including new settlement expansions in the West Bank.

The recognition comes as Israel continues its ground offensive in Gaza City. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 65,000 people have been killed since October 2023, with hundreds more dying from malnutrition and starvation.

Starmer acknowledged the humanitarian crisis, calling conditions in Gaza “utterly intolerable.” He urged Israel to lift border restrictions and allow more aid to flow in. “Stop these cruel tactics and let the aid surge in,” he said.

The UK’s announcement makes it the first G7 nation to formally recognise Palestinian statehood, though France is expected to follow at the UN General Assembly this week. The US has made clear it has “no plans” to take a similar step, with President Donald Trump openly disagreeing with Starmer during his recent visit to London. Despite criticism, Starmer said recognition was a pledge to both Palestinians and Israelis that “there can be a better future.”