UK, Australia, Canada officially recognise Palestinian state
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London: The UK, Australia and Canada confirmed Sunday that they are formally recognising a Palestinian state despite vociferous opposition from the US and Israel, the Associated Press reported.
The coordinated initiative from the Commonwealth nations and long-time allies of Israel reflects growing outrage at Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza and the steps taken by the Israeli government to thwart any efforts to create a Palestinian state, including by the continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has faced pressure to take a harder line on Israel within his own governing Labour Party, said the UK's move is intended “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis," while insisting that it wasn't a reward for Hamas.
“Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly as prime minister of this great country that the United Kingdom formally recognises the state of Palestine,” Starmer said in his video message.
“We recognised the state of Israel more than 75 years ago as a homeland for the Jewish people. Today we join over 150 countries who recognise a Palestinian state also. A pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people that there can be a better future,” Starmer said.
More countries are expected to do so at the UN General Assembly this week, including France, which, like the UK, is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in his statement that the three announcements on Sunday were “part of a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution.”
Meanwhile, Several French mayors plan to fly Palestinian flags on town halls in defiance of government orders, as France prepares to formally recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly.
It's unclear how many cities will join the initiative on Monday after Socialist leader Olivier Faure's call to fly the flags, despite warnings from the Interior Ministry against such displays in a country with both Europe's largest Jewish and Muslim populations.