UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal Officially Recognize the State of Palestine

Historic Shift: Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal Recognize palestine

September 22, 2025 – 04:18

Leaders discuss the recognition of the State of Palestine.

London, Ottawa, Canberra, and Lisbon – In a coordinated move with profound geopolitical implications, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal have formally acknowledged the State of Palestine. The announcements, made Sunday on the eve of the United Nations general Assembly, represent a important departure from the traditional alignment of these nations with Israel and occur nearly two years after the escalation of conflict in the Gaza Strip.

israeli Response and international Reactions

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Israel,with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issuing a strong condemnation. In a video message directed at the leaders of Britain, Australia, and canada, Netanyahu declared “There will be no Palestinian state,” asserting that the recognition constitutes a reward for terrorism. He pledged to vigorously oppose the measure at the United Nations, arguing that the establishment of a Palestinian state poses an existential threat to Israel.

Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition as a crucial step towards achieving a just and lasting peace grounded in international law. Hamas echoed this sentiment, hailing the move as a “victory for Palestinian rights.”

The United States responded cautiously, with a State Department spokesperson characterizing the actions as largely symbolic while emphasizing a continued focus on substantive diplomatic efforts.

Details of the Recognition

British Prime Minister Kiir starmer articulated that the official recognition of the State of Palestine aims to revitalize hope for peace for both Palestinians and Israelis, championing the two-state solution. Canadian Prime Minister Mark carne stated his country’s commitment to fostering a peaceful future for both states, framing the recognition as part of a broader international effort to preserve the viability of a two-state solution.

Australian prime Minister Anthony Albanizi underscored Australia’s longstanding dedication to the two-state solution, asserting it remains the only path to lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. Portugal’s Foreign minister Paulo rangel affirmed that the recognition aligns with a consistent and widely accepted policy, advocating for a two-state solution as the sole viable path to enduring and equitable peace.

UN General Assembly and France’s Position

The announcements coincide with the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, where a summit led by France and Saudi Arabia will address the future of the two-state solution. several nations, spearheaded by france, are anticipated to formally confirm their recognition of the State of Palestine during the assembly.

French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that France’s recognition might be conditional upon the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. While France currently maintains a general consulate in Jerusalem representing the Palestinian Authority,its embassy remains in Tel Aviv.

Context of the Decision

Western nations had signaled their intention to recognize the State of Palestine in recent weeks, citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza strip. The United Nations officially declared a famine in Gaza in August. This escalation follows Israel’s military operations in Gaza, initiated after the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,219 fatalities, primarily civilians.

Country	Date of recognition	Key Statement
Britain	September 22, 2025	“To revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and the israelis.”
Canada	September 22, 2025	“Part of a concerted international effort to maintain the possibility of a two-state solution.”
australia	September 22, 2025	“Australia’s long-term commitment to the two-state solution.”
Portugal	September 22, 2025	“A two-state solution as a single way towards permanent and fair peace.”

As the onset of the conflict, 65,283 people have been killed, the majority of them civilians, according to the Ministry of Health of Hamas, figures that the United nations deems reliable.

The Two-State solution: A Past Overview

The concept of a two-state solution-establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside israel-has been a central tenet of international diplomacy for decades. Initially proposed in 1947 by the United Nations Partition plan for Palestine, the idea gained further traction in the 1990s with the Oslo Accords. However, progress toward achieving this goal has been consistently hampered by issues like Israeli settlement expansion, the status of Jerusalem, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.Recent developments, like the recognition from these nations, are often seen as attempts to keep the possibility of a two-state solution viable amid growing pessimism.

Did You Know? 145 out of 193 UN member states already recognize Palestine as a state, according to the Palestine Liberation Institution (PLO).

Pro Tip: staying informed about geopolitical events requires consulting multiple sources and critically evaluating information. Consider resources like the United Nations, Reuters, and the Associated Press for comprehensive coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your thoughts on this historic shift in international policy? Do you believe this recognition will contribute to a lasting peace in the region?

How might this recognition by the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal influence future peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine?

A Landmark Shift in International Diplomacy

In a coordinated move signaling a meaningful change in international policy, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal have officially recognized the State of Palestine. This decision,announced on September 21st,2025,marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest for Palestinian independence and a two-state solution. The recognition comes amidst growing international pressure and increasing diplomatic efforts to revitalize peace negotiations. As CNN reported on September 20th, 2025, this recognition, while symbolic to some, is expected to provide a major boost to Palestinian diplomatic efforts.

Details of the Recognition

Each nation has outlined the specifics of its recognition, though a common thread runs thru all four announcements:

* United kingdom: The UK government stated its recognition is based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as a shared capital.They emphasized a commitment to a viable two-state solution.

* Canada: Canada’s recognition acknowledges the Palestinian right to self-determination and a sovereign state. They reiterated their support for direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine.

* Australia: Australia’s decision follows a period of internal debate and public consultation. The government highlighted the importance of a just and lasting peace.

* Portugal: Portugal’s recognition aligns with its long-standing support for international law and the principles of the United Nations regarding Palestinian statehood.

These recognitions do not instantly alter the geopolitical reality on the ground, but they do represent a powerful symbolic gesture and a shift in international consensus. The implications for future negotiations and international aid are ample.

The Road to Recognition: Historical Context

The Palestinian pursuit of statehood has been a decades-long struggle. Key milestones include:

1. 1988: The Palestine Liberation Institution (PLO) declared the independence of the State of Palestine.
2. 1989: Over 100 countries recognized the State of Palestine following the PLO declaration.
3. 2012: palestine was granted non-member observer state status at the United Nations.
4. Recent Developments (2024-2025): Increased diplomatic pressure, particularly from the Global South, and a growing number of European nations considering recognition, paved the way for this latest wave of acknowledgements.

This latest recognition builds upon these previous steps, adding significant weight to the Palestinian cause on the international stage. The term “Palestinian statehood” has seen a surge in search volume in recent months,reflecting growing public interest.

Implications for the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The recognition of Palestine by these influential nations is expected to have several key impacts:

* Strengthened Palestinian Negotiating Position: Recognition provides Palestine with increased legitimacy and leverage in future negotiations with Israel.

* Increased International Pressure on Israel: The move may encourage Israel to re-engage in meaningful peace talks.

* Potential for Increased Aid and Investment: Recognition could unlock further international aid and investment for Palestinian growth.

* Symbolic Importance: The act of recognition itself is a powerful statement of support for Palestinian self-determination.

However, it’s crucial to note that the recognition is unlikely to fundamentally alter the security situation or resolve the core issues of the conflict – borders, Jerusalem, refugees, and settlements – in the short term. The phrase “two-state solution” remains central to international efforts.

Reactions and Responses

The announcements have elicited a range of reactions from various stakeholders:

* Palestinian Authority: The Palestinian Authority has welcomed the recognition as a “historic step” and a “victory for justice.”

* Israeli Government: The Israeli government has expressed disappointment,arguing that recognition undermines the prospects for direct negotiations.

* United States: The US government has maintained its position of not recognizing Palestine until a final status agreement is reached through negotiations.

* International Community: The move has been largely welcomed by Arab and Muslim nations, as well as many countries in the Global South.

What This Means for Future Diplomatic Efforts

The coordinated recognition by the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal signals a growing international willingness to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict more proactively. It is likely to encourage other nations to follow suit, further isolating Israel diplomatically if it does not demonstrate a commitment to a two-state solution. Key areas to watch include:

* European union: Will other EU member states follow Portugal’s lead?

* United Nations: Will the UN Security Council consider a resolution formally recognizing the State of Palestine?

* Regional Dynamics: How will the recognition impact relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors?

The term “peace process” is highly likely to see increased attention in the coming months as international actors attempt to capitalize on this momentum.

Understanding the Legal Framework

The legal basis for recognizing a state under international law is complex. Generally, states must possess:

* A defined territory.

* A permanent population.

* A government.

* The capacity to enter into relations with other states.

While the State of Palestine does not currently exercise full sovereignty over its claimed territory, the recognizing nations have steadfast that it meets the necessary criteria for statehood, based on the 1967 borders and the existence of the Palestinian Authority.