NEW YORK, Sep 21: The United Kingdom, Australia and Canada on Sunday officially recognised Palestine as a sovereign state, joining more than 150 nations in the move. The move has been strongly condemned by Israel, while the US likewise has not been supportive.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced: “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,” reports Times of Israel.
Australia confirmed its decision in a joint statement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, declaring that the 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 announcement coincided with Albanese’s arrival in New York for the 80th UN General Assembly.
Canada likewise formalised recognition, with the Prime Minister’s Office stating: “Over many decades, Canada’s commitment to (a two-state solution) was premised on the expectation that this outcome would eventually be achieved as part of a negotiated settlement.”
The leaders of the three countries all stressed that there was no room for Hamas in a future Palestinian state.
The coordinated declarations came alongside similar announcements by France, Belgium and Portugal during the UN session, described by Australia as “a co-ordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution.”
Israel strongly condemned the decisions, with the Knesset’s (Parliament) Blue and White-National Unity chairman, Benny Gantz, lambasting the move, stating it “only emboldens Hamas, extends the war, distances the prospects of a hostage deal and sends a clear message of support to Iran and its proxies.”
Writing on X, he added: “If advancing peace & stability in the Middle East is what you seek, dear Western Leaders – and not buckling to domestic political pressure, then maximum pressure must be applied to Hamas to relinquish power and return the hostages before anything else.”
(UNI )
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