London/Ottawa/Canberra, September 21, 2025: In a landmark diplomatic development, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have formally recognized Palestine as a sovereign state, joining a growing list of nations backing the long-delayed two-state solution.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his government’s decision on Sunday, accusing Israel of systematically obstructing the establishment of a Palestinian state.
“The Israeli government has pursued a deliberate strategy to block the prospects of Palestinian statehood,” Carney said. “Canada has now recognized Palestine as a state.”
He cited Israel’s continued construction of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and its ongoing military offensive in Gaza, which he said had displaced hundreds of thousands and killed thousands of civilians. “These actions are blatant violations of international law,” he stressed.
Carney further asserted that the current Israeli government’s open policy is to ensure a Palestinian state never emerges. In response, Canada has recognized Palestine and offered partnership for building a peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis.
The Australian government also confirmed its recognition of the Palestinian state, describing the step as part of the international community’s efforts to advance a two-state solution. “Hamas must have no role in Palestine’s future governance or security,” it added in a statement.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that Britain too had officially recognized Palestine. He emphasized that Hamas would not have any role in the future governance or security of the Palestinian state.
“In the coming weeks, we will impose sanctions on additional Hamas leaders,” Starmer said. “The chances of a two-state solution may appear slim, but we refuse to let the light of hope be extinguished.”
This joint recognition by three influential Western countries marks one of the most significant shifts in international policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent years, amplifying pressure on Israel amid the deepening crisis in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
