The three nations’ decision aligned them with about 140 other countries which also back the Palestinians’ aspiration to forge an independent homeland from the Israeli-occupied territories.
“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,” said PM Starmer.
Canada and Australia also recognised a Palestinian state today and other countries are expected to do so this week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In a statement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that his country now recognises the state of Palestine.
“Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” said Carney.
Similarly, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country was recognising Palestine as part of an effort to revive momentum for a two-state solution that starts with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held there.
In a move that put Starmer at odds with US President Donald Trump, Britain had issued Israel with an ultimatum in July saying it would recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel took steps to end the “appalling situation” in Gaza.
Husam Zomlot, head of the Palestinian Mission in London, called the decision a “long-overdue recognition” that “is not about Palestine, but about Britain’s fulfilment of a solemn responsibility”.
“It marks an irreversible step towards justice, peace, and the correction of historic wrongs,” he added in a statement.
Starmer had said in July that Britain would recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel reached a ceasefire with Hamas, let more aid into Gaza, made clear there would be no annexation of the West Bank, and committed to a peace process delivering a two-state solution.
