In a significant diplomatic shift, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada Sunday officially recognized the State of Palestine, aligning themselves with over 150 nations that already do so while Israel dismissed the possibility of that happening. Palestinian state
The United States has been voicing opposition to such steps that have been in the making for several months as key European capitals saw massive protests against death and destruction in the besieged Palestinian Gaza territory.
The coordinated announcement reflects growing frustration among Western allies with Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its continued expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank—widely viewed as obstacles to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
In response to the statement of the U.K. and some other countries regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state:
Israel categorically rejects the one-sided declaration of the recognition of a Palestinian state made by the United Kingdom and some other countries.
This…— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) September 21, 2025
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, under increasing domestic pressure from within his Labor Party, framed the decision as a renewed commitment to peace, emphasizing that it is not a concession to Hamas.
“To revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly… that the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine,” he noted.
In reference to Britain’s central role in establishment of Israel after WWII, Starmer added that just as the UK recognized Israel more than 75 years ago, it is now acknowledging Palestinian statehood to foster equal rights and lasting peace in the region.
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
Following the announcements from the three Commonwealth countries, Portugal also declared its recognition of Palestine, with other nations—including possibly France—expected to follow suit during the upcoming UN General Assembly meetings.
Reacting to the move by the powerful European countries, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned it as a “prize for Hamas” and firmly rejecting any possibility of a Palestinian state being established west of the Jordan River.
“It will not happen,” Netanyahu stated, reinforcing his long-standing opposition to Palestinian statehood under current circumstances.
He warned of possible unilateral responses, including the annexation of parts of the West Bank, a move that would significantly deepen Israel’s control over the territory and further strain relations with the international community.
The announcements were welcomed by both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority:
Hamas described the decision as a just recognition of “our people’s struggle, steadfastness, and sacrifices,” and urged global actors to further isolate Israel.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who will address the UN General Assembly virtually, hailed the UK’s recognition as a vital step toward achieving a “just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.”
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Iftikhar Ali is a veteran Pakistani journalist, former president of UN Correspondents Association, and a recipient of the Pride of Performance civil award
Muhammad Luqman is Associate Editor at Views News Now. He writes on wide-ranging issues including economy, South Asia, the Middle East, agriculture, economy and innovation. Luqman has worked some of the leading news organizations and won acclaim for his original and research-based works.
