Britain, Canada, and Australia have formally recognised the State of Palestine, a move emblematic of frustration over the ongoing crisis in Gaza and aimed at reviving the prospect of a two-state solution. This historic recognition aligns these three major Western nations with approximately 140 countries advocating for Palestinian self-determination amidst the turmoil that has plagued the region.
The announcement, made on Sunday, carries profound significance, especially for Britain, which played a pivotal role in the establishment of Israel in the aftermath of World War II. “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,” declared UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a press conference.
Starmer underscored the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where ongoing Israeli airstrikes have exacerbated suffering. “The man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths. The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing bombardment… are utterly intolerable,” he added. This statement reflects the growing pressure on Western leaders from their constituents, many of whom have expressed outrage over the rising civilian casualties and humanitarian toll in Gaza, including images of malnourished children.
The recognitions come as other nations, including France, are poised to echo this stance during the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this week, indicating a potential shift in international consensus regarding the Palestinian cause.
Responses and Repercussions
The Israeli government has vehemently condemned the decision. Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir labelled the recognition a reward for “murderers,” referring specifically to Hamas, the militant group responsible for a deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages taken. Amidst these tensions, Ben-Gvir has indicated intentions to advocate for the application of Israeli sovereignty over parts of the West Bank, suggesting a potential de facto annexation of territories seized in the 1967 war.
On the Palestinian side, President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition, viewing it as a step towards a future where the State of Palestine could coexist peacefully alongside Israel. In a letter confirming this shift, Starmer acknowledged Britain’s historical commitment to both a Jewish homeland and the rights of Palestinian communities, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to a lasting two-state solution.
Reactions in Britain were mixed. Londoners expressed a range of opinions, with some advocating for peaceful co-existence while others voiced concerns about the implications of engaging with a government seen as hostile. “A whole lot needs to happen and peace needs to come to that region,” said Michael Angus, a charity director. “This is the first step in actually acknowledging that those people have a right to have somewhere to call home.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the recognition would encourage peaceful co-existence while clarifying that it does not legitimise terrorism in any form. Meanwhile, critics within Israel, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, condemned the unilateral recognition, attributing it to diplomatic failures on the part of the current government. lapid suggested a more proactive diplomatic approach could have prevented such developments.
A Historic Moment
Husam Zomlot, head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK, expressed a sense of historic importance and hope. Watching the announcement unfold, he reflected, “We realise that the recognition will not bring back lives that we have lost… Today is a moment when the UK Prime Minister and the British government, on behalf of their people, stand and say: ‘We must correct history, we must right the wrongs.’”
The gaining momentum for recognition among Western nations points to a broader shift in the geopolitical landscape surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As public pressure mounts against ongoing violence and a lack of accountability, the calls for a viable two-state solution are louder than ever, setting the stage for a pivotal week at the United Nations.