Image of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Britain, Australia, and Canada on Sunday formally recognised the State of Palestine in a coordinated diplomatic move aimed at reviving hopes for a two-state solution amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a televised address, said the UK’s recognition was intended to preserve the possibility of peace at a time when it is “fading fast”.

“In the face of growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace,” Starmer said. “That means a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state. At the moment, we have neither.”

He stressed that the decision was not a concession to Hamas but part of efforts to build momentum toward peace. “Hamas can have no future,” Starmer said, while condemning the “intolerable destruction” in Gaza and urging Israel to end its military tactics and allow more humanitarian aid.

The UK also announced that it would impose fresh sanctions on senior Hamas leaders in the coming weeks. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the recognition “an important step to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution, at a time when it is now under unprecedented threat.”

The British government added that the decision did not exempt the Palestinian Authority from implementing promised reforms, including holding new elections within a year of a ceasefire.

Australia made its announcement shortly after the UK, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong saying recognition of Palestine reflected the “legitimate and long-held aspirations of the Palestinian people to a state of their own.”

Australia’s recognition press release

They said the move was part of “a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution, starting with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken in the October 7, 2023, attacks.”

Canada also formally recognised Palestine, with Prime Minister Mark Carney declaring his country’s commitment to supporting a peaceful future for both Israelis and Palestinians.

“Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” Carney said in a statement.

Canadian officials emphasised that the move was intended to empower moderates within the Palestinian Authority, who have renounced violence, while countering Hamas. They also rejected Israeli claims that recognition amounted to a “reward for terrorism”, insisting it was meant to keep the two-state framework alive.

The wave of recognition comes ahead of the UN General Assembly next week, where France is expected to join the growing number of countries supporting Palestinian statehood.

International alarm has mounted in recent months as Israel’s military campaign in Gaza deepens the humanitarian crisis, fuelling fears that the window for a negotiated peace is closing.