Australia, Britain, Canada formally recognize State of Palestine
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Australia, Britain, and Canada recognise Palestine to revive a "two-state solution", urging a Gaza ceasefire and captives’ release while excluding Hamas.
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Protesters gather during a protest to support Palestine Action in London, Saturday, September 6, 2025 (AP)
Australia has formally recognised the State of Palestine, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Sunday, aligning Canberra with Canada and the United Kingdom in a coordinated move to revive momentum for a "two-state solution."
My statement formally recognising the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/HtBmnIQGBS
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 21, 2025
In a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Albanese said the decision was intended to support a political path that begins with “a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held there.” He emphasised that the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas “must have no role in Palestine.”
The statement described recognition as “part of a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution,” calling it the only route to "lasting peace and security" for Palestinians and Israeli settlers. It added that Australia’s step reflects a longstanding commitment to Palestinian self-determination.
Canada Recognizes State of Palestine
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Sunday that Canada has formally recognized the State of Palestine, joining a coordinated international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution.
Today, Canada recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/zhumVJRBfe
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) September 21, 2025
"Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel... While Canada is under no illusions that this recognition is a panacea, this recognition is firmly aligned with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights reflected in the United Nations Charter," Carney said in a statement.
Britain formally recognizes Palestine
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also confirmed the United Kingdom's recognition of Palestine on Sunday, declaring: “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/yrg6Lywc1s
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 21, 2025
According to Albanese, work is underway with partners in the Arab League, the United States, and others to develop a credible peace plan enabling Gaza’s reconstruction, strengthening Palestinian state institutions, and ensuring "security" for the Israeli occupation.
“The hope, and the right, of all humanity is lasting peace and security in the Middle East,” Albanese said, pledging Australia’s continued engagement with international partners to build on the recognition and pursue a durable settlement.
Conditions set
In July, Starmer stated that he would recognize Palestine before the gathering of world leaders at the UN General Assembly next week if the situation did not improve.
Alongside the continued war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the UK government is alarmed at plans to accelerate Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which ministers fear will end any hope of a "two-state solution".
“It’s important to state that the recognition of a Palestinian state, it is a consequence of the serious expansion that we’re seeing in the West Bank, the settler violence that we’re seeing in the West Bank and the intention and indications that we’re seeing to build, for example, the E1 development that would run a coach and horses through the possibility of a two-state solution,” David Lammy, deputy FM, stated.
Conditions not met
High-level meetings at the UN summit involving world leaders begin on September 23, and Starmer has found himself at odds with Donald Trump’s administration over the move, with the latter being opposed to giving official recognition to the state.
The Labour leader previously suggested British recognition was conditional and he would refrain if "Israel" committed to a ceasefire and long-term sustainable peace that delivers a "two-state solution" and allowed the UN to restart the supply of aid.
All three conditions set out by Starmer are unlikely to be met, as "Israel" intensifies its war on Gaza and moves on with its plans to invade and occupy Gaza City, launching heavy airstrikes, bombardments, and bombings across the enclave.
