UK, Canada and Australia announce formal recognition of Palestinian state

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday made a landmark decision by formally recognising the state of Palestine, marking a significant development in efforts to advance peace in the Middle East amid Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza.

In a post on his official X account, Starmer said, “In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution, that means a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state.”

“To revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly as prime minister of this great country, that the United Kingdom, formally recognises the state of Palestine,” he added.

This announcement follows the UK’s policy shift in July, when it set clear conditions for recognition, demanding, among other things, a ceasefire, and warned that recognition would be granted if Israel failed to comply.

Israel had criticised the recognition, calling it a “reward” for Hamas, while US President Donald Trump noted it was one of the rare disagreements he had with Sir Keir Starmer during last week’s state visit.

“Recognition is nothing but a reward for jihadist Hamas – emboldened by its Muslim Brotherhood affiliated in the UK. Hamas leaders themselves openly admit: this recognition is a direct outcome, the “fruit” for the October 7 massacre. Don’t let Jihadist ideology dictate your policy,” Israel Foreign Ministry said in a post minutes after the announcements.

Sir Keir Starmer clarified that the recognition of Palestine is not a “reward for Hamas,” emphasising that the move ensures Hamas will have no future role in government or security.

“We are clear, this solution is not a reward for Hamas, because it means Hamas can have no future, no role in government, no role in security,” UK PM said.

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