Newsroom
The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have officially recognized Palestine as a state, following in the footsteps of countries across the Global South. The move marks a historic shift in Western diplomacy and sets the stage for more countries to follow suit, with announcements expected soon at the UN General Assembly in New York.
While largely symbolic, the recognition could bring practical changes for Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, already issues passports and runs health and education systems. Recognition by major Western powers strengthens its political standing, potentially opening the door to new international partnerships and trade arrangements. Experts say it could even lead to measures against products from Israeli settlements.
The move is also intended to pressure Israel to halt settlement expansion, end its military campaign in Gaza, and resume negotiations toward a two-state solution. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas hailed it as a step toward peaceful coexistence with Israel. Hamas welcomed the recognition but stressed it must be accompanied by concrete measures to end the conflict.
Reactions were immediate and sharp. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, accusing the leaders of “rewarding terrorism” and signaling that Israel would expand settlements in response. Families of Israeli hostages also expressed anger, saying the timing was insensitive.
Western leaders defended their decisions as a way to promote peace. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a “necessary step” to keep the two-state solution alive, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that recognition does not legitimize terrorism but empowers those seeking peaceful coexistence.
The recognition could redefine diplomatic engagement in the region, giving the Palestinian Authority more leverage at the UN and internationally. However, critics warn it may do little to change life on the ground, where Israel controls borders, movement, and the economy in Palestinian territories.
As France and Portugal prepare similar announcements at the UN, the international debate over Palestine’s status is poised to intensify, highlighting both the symbolic and practical stakes of recognition.
*With information from skai.gr, Reuters
