UK, Australia, Canada & Portugal announce recognition of Palestine

The UK, Australia, Canada and Portugal are the four latest countries to recognise a Palestinian state on Sep. 21, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this week, along with a number of demands for both Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA).

They joined a growing list of 140 nations that have backed a two-state solution amidst the ongoing Gaza War and Palestinians' aim to achieve an independent state.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the announcements in response, accusing the four countries of "rewarding terrorism".

UK

The announcements were made via the social media platforms of the leaders of the four countries on Sep. 21.

"We are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two state solution. That means a safe and secure Israel, and a viable Palestinian state," Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

"At the moment, we have neither."

Starmer also condemned Hamas as a "brutal terror organisation", citing their refusal to release Israeli hostages and bodies since the start of the conflict on Oct. 7, 2023.

"A call for a genuine two state solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision...this solution is not a reward for Hamas, because it means Hamas can have no future, no role in government, no role in security," he added.

UK's recognition of Palestine comes with a number of demands, including its longstanding call for reform in the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The PA has committed to this reform, including organising elections within a year of a ceasefire, according to a statement from the UK government.

Australia

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also delivered the message via a video, made at the UN in New York.

"Enough is enough. We must end the cycle of violence," he said.

However, like other leaders, he reiterated that a new Palestine state must not be led by Hamas.

"This is the world saying that what is going on in Gaza is completely unacceptable," he added.

"You can’t have a circumstance where people have been denied essential food and water and medicines. You can’t have the number of civilian deaths that we’ve seen."

Australia's declaration also includes calls for reform in the PA, reported ABC, including commitments to hold democratic elections and enact significant reform to finance, governance and education.

Australia also noted the PA's recognition of Israel's right to exist.

Canada and Portugal

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement via an official statement, stating 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."

The decision had been repeatedly held back by the threat of Hamas' terrorism, he said, as well as Israel's role in exacerbating the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

"Recognising the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas. This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it."

Portugal's Foreign Affairs minister Paulo Rangel said the recognition was a "fundamental line of Portuguese foreign policy".

"Portugal advocates the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace ... a ceasefire is urgent."

Reactions

In light of the announcements, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the four nations via a video posted on X.

"I have a clear message to those leaders who recognise a Palestinian state after the horrific massacre of Oct 7: You are giving a huge reward to terrorism," he said.

"And I have another message for you: It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River."

U.S. president Donald Trump, who has consistently positioned himself as an ally of Israel, has also opposed the latest developments, even threatening retaliation against Canada.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson also called the gestures "performative", Reuters reported.

"Our focus remains on serious diplomacy, not performative gestures. Our priorities are clear: the release of the hostages, the security of Israel, and peace and prosperity for the entire region that is only possible free from Hamas."

Palestinians, on the other hand, welcomed the recognition, calling it a "human duty of every respectful and free human being in the world".

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said recognition would allow the "State of Palestine to live side by side with the State of Israel in security, peace, and good neighbourliness", Reuters said, but Hamas leaders have warned that any move must be accompanied by "practical measures".

Top image via Reuters