Palestine has hailed the coordinated move by Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom to formally recognise it as an independent and sovereign state, calling the decision a step in line with international law and legitimacy resolutions.
In a statement shared on X, Palestine’s Mission to the United Nations said its Ministry of Foreign Affairs “welcomes and expresses gratitude” to the three countries for what it described as “courageous decisions” that affirm the Palestinian right to statehood.
The recognition was announced on Sunday in synchronised declarations from Ottawa, Canberra and London, marking a significant diplomatic shift aimed at reviving prospects for a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a joint statement, said recognition was effective immediately and underscored Australia’s “longstanding commitment” to the two-state framework. “Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own,” they said, adding that the move was tied to international efforts to secure a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Palestine Authority pledges reforms
They stressed that the Palestinian Authority had renewed its recognition of Israel’s right to exist and pledged reforms in governance, elections, finance and education, while making clear that Hamas would have “no role in Palestine.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed that position in a video message, saying Britain’s recognition was intended to “revive the hope of peace for Palestinians and Israelis” and to lay the ground for renewed dialogue.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a statement, sharply criticised Israel’s current policies, accusing its government of systematically blocking Palestinian statehood through settlement expansion and a prolonged military campaign in Gaza. He said Canada’s recognition was rooted in “principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights” and aligned with Ottawa’s longstanding foreign policy traditions.
“This recognition is not a panacea,” Carney cautioned, “but it is a necessary step to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution and to help build the promise of a peaceful future for both Israel and Palestine.”
The joint move by three major Western powers is expected to intensify international pressure on Israel, which has consistently opposed recognition of Palestinian statehood outside a negotiated settlement.