The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have formally
recognised the State of Palestine in a coordinated move aimed at reviving hopes
for peace in the Middle East.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a televised address, said
the decision was taken “in the face of the growing horror in the Middle East”
and was intended to keep alive the possibility of a two-state solution.
“That means a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable
Palestinian state – at the moment we have neither,” Starmer said.
“So today, 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.”
Starmer stressed that the recognition “is not a reward for
Hamas”, but rather a rejection of its “hateful vision”. He underlined that
Hamas could have “no future, no role in government, and no role in security”.
The British leader said he had met families of hostages
still being held in Gaza and called for their immediate release, describing the
ordeal as “torture they endure each and every day”.
He also urged Israel
to lift restrictions at Gaza’s border to allow more humanitarian aid to flow
in.
Canada was the first G7 nation to announce recognition of a
Palestinian state earlier in the day, followed shortly by Australia.
Both countries described the step as part of an
international effort to secure peace through a two-state solution.
Starmer concluded by urging other nations to “channel our
efforts” towards ending the violence, releasing hostages, and restoring a
political path to peace.
“This is the best hope for peace and security for all
sides,” he said.
The coordinated recognition marks a significant diplomatic
shift by Western allies and adds pressure on Israel and Hamas to return to
negotiations on the future of the conflict.
