UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal Recognise Palestine Amid Gaza War
Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognised a Palestinian state on September 21, citing frustration with the ongoing Gaza conflict and renewed backing for a two-state solution. The move, which aligns them with over 140 nations that already support Palestinian statehood, drew fierce criticism from Israel.
Britain’s decision carried added weight given its historical role in the creation of Israel after the Second World War. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the recognition aimed to revive hopes for peace.
«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,» he declared. He condemned Israel’s offensive in Gaza, calling the humanitarian crisis «utterly intolerable.»
Other European countries, including France, are expected to announce similar decisions at the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, saying:
«You are giving a huge reward to terrorism,» in reference to Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023.
He vowed a Palestinian state «will not be established west of the Jordan River.»
The Hamas-led assault killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, according to Israel. The subsequent military campaign in Gaza has, according to local health officials, left more than 65,000 Palestinians dead, most of them civilians, while destroying infrastructure, spreading famine and repeatedly displacing the population.
Kursiv also reports that President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reiterated Uzbekistan’s firm position in support of the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state.
