Britain, Australia, and Canada formally recognized the State of Palestine on Sunday, with Portugal set to follow, bringing the total number of recognizing states to 147 out of 193 UN members.
The United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada officially recognized the State of Palestine on Sunday, with Portugal expected to follow later in the day, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.
In a video statement on X, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution.”
For his part, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement that “since 1947, it has been the policy of every Canadian government to support a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East. 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.”
Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/yrg6Lywc1s
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 21, 2025
Carney added that the Palestinian state should be “led by the Palestinian Authority” and empower “those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas”.
In a joint statement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Australia also recognized the formal recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state.
“Today’s act of recognition reflects Australia’s longstanding commitment to a two-state solution, which has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and the Palestinian people,” the statement read, referring to “clear requirements” on the Palestinian Authority.
The statement highlighted the Palestinian Authority’s recognition of Israel’s right to exist and stated that “Hamas must have no role in Palestine”.
Britain,Canada, Australia recognized the state of Palestine. Better late than never. We welcome the recognition but it is not enough as it must be associated with immediate sanctions on Israel to stop the genocide in Gaza and the settlers terror and annexation of the West Bank.…
— Mustafa Barghouti @Mustafa_Barghouti (@MustafaBarghou1) September 21, 2025
Israel’s Reaction
Reacting to the wave of recognitions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed such decisions “threaten Israel’s existence.” He urged a campaign against the United Nations and other international bodies to counter what he described as “false propaganda” directed at Israel.
“Calls for a Palestinian state threaten our existence and constitute an illogical reward for terrorism,” Netanyahu said. He insisted that Israel would continue its military campaign to destroy Hamas, reach a “final settlement,” and secure the return of all captives held in Gaza.
He also announced plans to address the United Nations, where he intends to present what he called “Israel’s just struggle against the forces of evil and its vision of true peace born of strength.”
Ahead of this week’s UN General Assembly meetings, nine countries have confirmed their recognition of Palestine: France, the UK, Australia, Canada, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, and San Marino. Portugal has postponed its formal declaration but is expected to issue its decision later today.
By the close of the Assembly, Palestine will be recognized by 147 of the UN’s 193 member states. With the backing of both Britain and France, Palestine will also have the recognition of four of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council—China and Russia having extended recognition since 1988.
(PC, AJA)
Western governments are trying to catch up with the Demands of Western Populations that Real steps be taken to END the horrendous GENOCIDE in Gaza and the oppression of the Palestinian People throughout Their Own Lands…These governments have acted scared for decades, scared of the usa and the jewish-controlled media and the churches and the banks— but now they are More scared of their Peoples and of the consquences of complicity in Crimes Against Humanity and GENOCIDE… Now that they have finally taken a brave step and recognized Palestine, they are more likely to do more… Western media even today was trying to smirk that it is too late, But all the walls, barbed wire will be removed