UK Canada and Australia Recognise Palestinian State

UK Canada and Australia Recognise Palestinian State

UK Canada and Australia Recognise Palestinian State – Why in News?

Recently, Canada, the UK, and Australia have officially recognised Palestine (UK Canada and Australia Recognise Palestinian State) as a state, which aims to strengthen the idea of a two-state solution and uphold fundamental human rights. The announcement highlighted as a coordinated international efforts from these countries.

UK Canada and Australia Recognised Palestine in 2025

• Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia formally recognised Palestine as a state (UK Canada and Australia Recognise Palestinian State) that reflects growing concern over the worsening situation in the region. The West Bank and East Jerusalem have seen rapid settlement expansion, and Gaza continues to face severe humanitarian challenges. In 2025, after weeks of airstrikes, Israel advanced a threatening ground operation in central Gaza. These developments have significantly weakened the prospects for a two-state solution.
• The decision of UK Canada and Australia Recognise Palestinian State also reflects a commitment to fundamental human rights as outlined in the United Nations Charter. These countries have stressed that the Palestinian leadership, especially the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, must fulfil its commitments to the international community. These commitments include improving governance, holding free elections by 2026, and ensuring that groups like Hamas, which is recognised as terrorist organisation.
• The countries have reiterated their commitment to Israel’s security. They urged Hamas to release all hostages, respect a ceasefire, and agree to disarmament. The growing threat of terrorism in the Middle East requires proactive engagement to keep the two-state solution viable. These steps (UK Canada and Australia Recognise Palestinian State) are designed to maintain long-term regional stability.

Israel’s Reaction on the Recognition of Palestine – UK Canada and Australia Recognise Palestinian State

• Israeli Prime Minister strongly opposed the decision by Canada, the UK, and Australia to recognise Palestine. 
• Israeli government argued that this step (UK Canada and Australia Recognise Palestinian State) rewards the terrorist activities of Hamas and unfairly punishes its victims. He called the potential formation of a “jihadist state” near Israel’s territory a direct danger to national security and regional stability.
• The government warned that Israel would respond to any countries taking steps to recognise Palestine (UK Canada and Australia Recognise Palestinian State). Such recognition not only politically unacceptable but also a threat to ongoing security measures.
• The Israeli government argued that recognising Palestine without ensuring the disarmament of Hamas and the release of hostages would undermine peace efforts in Gaza and the West Bank. Such recognition could embolden militant groups and worsen violence in the region. 
• Israel also voiced concerns regarding international diplomacy. Israel criticised the recognition plan as undermining efforts to negotiate peace through direct Israeli-Palestinian dialogue. 
• Israeli government emphasised that security and stability must be safeguarded before any recognition occurs.

What recognition of Palestine means?

• Recognition of Palestine (UK Canada and Australia Recognise Palestinian State) by countries around the world is largely symbolic and carries significant political weight. It signals that countries acknowledge Palestine’s claim to statehood and support its right to self-determination.
• Palestine already has international recognition, maintains diplomatic missions abroad, and sends teams to global competitions like the Olympics. 
• Due to the long-standing conflict with Israel, the Palestinian Authority (PA), established under the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, does not exercise full control over its territory or population in the West Bank and Gaza.
• Recognition by countries does not automatically alter the status quo on the ground. Israel has consistently rejected Palestinian statehood. Even after recognising the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as a representative of the Palestinian people, the US maintained that full statehood must come through a negotiated agreement under the Oslo framework.
• Any meaningful change in Palestinian sovereignty requires approval from the UN Security Council. Recognition by other countries is therefore mostly political, strengthening Palestine’s international legitimacy.
• Countries that recognise Palestine are sending a message of diplomatic support. Recognition can help Palestine gain international aid, diplomatic leverage, and visibility in global forums, but it does not change borders or security arrangements.

How many Countries recognise Palestine?

• Over the years, a growing number of countries have formally recognised Palestine as a sovereign state. Out of the 193 United Nations member countries, approximately 150 nations now officially acknowledge a Palestinian state. 
• Most countries that recognised Palestine did so in 1988, following the declaration of statehood by the Palestine National Council (PNC). Many other nations from Africa, Asia, and Latin America joined this recognition during the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. These steps established a broad base of diplomatic support.
• In 2024 and 2025, additional countries formally recognised Palestine, reflecting the evolving global consensus. European and Caribbean nations such as Ireland, Norway, Spain, Barbados, and Jamaica extended recognition in 2024. Leaders in these countries highlighted the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
• Recently, in September 2025, Canada and the United Kingdom became the first G7 nations to recognise Palestine formally. Australia and Portugal followed shortly after. These announcements coincided with international discussions at the United Nations General Assembly. 
• Most Asian countries, including India and China, have already recognised Palestine. Likewise, Russia, all Arab nations, and almost all African and Latin American countries are on the list of states recognising Palestinian sovereignty. 
• Many other countries like, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malta are expected to declare their support during the New York summit, which will be chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.