Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah on Sunday welcomed the decision by Britain, Canada, and Australia to officially recognise the State of Palestine, calling the move a confirmation of the Palestinian people’s right to their land and holy sites, and to establish an independent state with al-Quds as its capital.

In a statement, Hamas said the recognition “represents an affirmation of the Palestinian people’s right to their land and sacred places, and to establish their independent state with al-Quds as its capital.” The movement stressed that the step must be accompanied by “practical measures to stop the genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza and to confront annexation and Judaization projects in the West Bank and occupied al-Quds.”

Hamas also urged the international community and the United Nations “to isolate Israel, impose sanctions on its leaders, and hold them accountable for their crimes against humanity.”

Fatah likewise hailed the decision, welcoming the formal recognition of a Palestinian state along the borders of June 4, 1967, with East al-Quds as its capital. The movement described the move as “a historic recognition and a victory for Palestinian rights,” affirming “the legitimacy of the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom and independence.”

Fatah called on other states to follow suit and support the Palestinian people’s legitimate aspirations for statehood.

Earlier on Sunday, the governments of Britain, Canada, and Australia announced their formal recognition of the State of Palestine. Israeli media described the development as a “diplomatic tsunami,” coming on the eve of the UN General Assembly meetings, where several more countries are expected to take similar steps.

Australia, UK, Canada recognize Palestine

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."

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.”

My statement formally recognising the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/LnmrX29TCV

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 21, 2025

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.