In a sweeping diplomatic realignment, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine on Sunday, marking a pivotal moment in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The move comes amid mounting global pressure over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and renewed calls for a two-state solution.
Canada’s announcement makes it the first G7 nation to officially acknowledge Palestinian statehood—a decision hailed by Palestinian leaders as “long overdue” and condemned by Israeli officials as “a reward for terrorism.”
🔹 Statements from World Leaders
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared the recognition “an irreversible step toward justice and peace,” citing Israel’s failure to meet ceasefire conditions.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that the move “empowers peaceful coexistence” and is not a reward for Hamas.
- Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese framed the decision as part of a broader international effort to revive the two-state solution.
- Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel reaffirmed that “a ceasefire is urgent, but recognition is a moral imperative.”
🔹 Global Reactions
- Saudi Arabia welcomed the move, calling it a “serious commitment to peace.”
- Israel strongly opposed the recognition, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning it “undermines regional stability.”
- France and other EU nations are expected to follow suit during the UN General Assembly this week.
🔹 Editorial Perspective
This coordinated recognition by four influential democracies signals a shift in global diplomacy one that could reshape negotiations and redefine international norms around sovereignty, justice, and peace in the Middle East.