UK, Canada and Australia recognize "Palestinian state"

LONDON,— Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally recognized so-called a “Palestinian state” on Sunday, aligning themselves with dozens of countries that have long backed Palestinian aspirations.

The move, framed by those governments as support for a two-state solution, drew immediate condemnation from Israel and criticism from analysts who warned it amounts to rewarding terrorism.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom’s recognition was intended to “revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution.”

He described what he called a humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “man-made” and accused Israel of “relentless and increasing bombardment.” His words drew sharp pushback from Israelis who say such recognition ignores Hamas’ responsibility for the war and rewards its violent campaign.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed Starmer, saying his country’s recognition “in no way legitimizes terrorism” but was meant to empower those seeking peaceful coexistence.

Australia also joined the announcement, with its leaders pointing to the need for a negotiated outcome. France and other European governments are expected to make similar declarations during this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Portugal also announced Sunday it has recognized the State of Palestine, Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said in New York, calling it the continuation of long-standing policy.

Netanyahu: “Rewarding terrorism”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the moves. He said, “I have a clear message to those leaders who recognize a Palestinian state after the horrific massacre of October 7: You are giving a huge reward to terrorism.” He reiterated that a Palestinian state “will not be established west of the Jordan River.”

On October 7, 2023, in Gaza City, Hamas Islamist militants were filmed on the back of a pickup truck carrying a young Israeli woman taken hostage. Palestinians surrounded the vehicle, spitting on her, beating her, and celebrating. She was later assaulted and killed, in a display of ISIS-style violence against Israeli civilians. Video: SM

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The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, killed 1,200 people and left 251 others kidnapped, according to Israeli figures. Observers compare the assault to atrocities by the so-called Islamic State group.

The subsequent war in Gaza has left tens of thousands dead, with Israel saying the majority of those killed were Hamas militants. Palestinian groups contest that claim, highlighting civilian casualties.

Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he would propose applying sovereignty to the West Bank, a move widely seen as annexation of land Israel captured in 1967.

Palestinians welcome, but critics call recognition meaningless

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas hailed the recognitions, saying they pave the way for a State of Palestine to live beside Israel “in security, peace, and good neighbourliness.” Hamas also welcomed the decision but said it must come with practical steps to end the war in Gaza and prevent Israeli annexation.

Some Palestinians in the West Bank voiced approval. In Hebron, resident Sharaf Al Tarda told local media, “It is a human duty of every respectful and free human being in the world to support Palestinians during the ordeal they are going through.”

But critics argue recognition is hollow and dangerous. Political analyst Henase Karim told iKurd News the recognitions are symbolic and ignore basic realities. “They recognize a virtual ‘Palestinian state.’ There is no ground on earth called Palestine. Where is the border of that state? The recognition has no value,” she said.

Karim added that recognition overlooks violent ideology in Palestinian society. “The Islamic world, and particularly Arabs in Gaza and the West Bank, openly call for killing every Jew in the world and destroying Israel. Until Islam removes from the Quran and Hadith the hateful calls to kill Jews and begins teaching children a peaceful version, there can be no serious talk about a Palestinian state. Any recognition of such a state is a joke. Israel is the sovereign on the land.”

Families of hostages voice anger

Some relatives of Israeli hostages also criticized Britain’s move. Mandy Damari, whose daughter Emily was kidnapped and later released, told Reuters the decision was misguided. “Starmer is under a two-state delusion when Hamas still rules Gaza, when hostages are not yet returned, when the war is not over. He is rewarding Hamas for the October 7 attack,” she said.

Historic backdrop and Western pressure

Britain’s recognition carries historical weight. British troops seized Jerusalem from the Ottoman Empire in 1917, and the League of Nations granted Britain a mandate to administer Palestine in 1922, laying groundwork for the eventual establishment of Israel.

Western governments have faced increasing political pressure over Gaza, including from lawmakers and growing Muslim populations in their countries.

Critics say recognition is less about genuine diplomacy and more about domestic politics. Observers argue governments in London, Ottawa and Canberra are responding to anger over civilian deaths and images of destruction in Gaza, even while continuing arms sales to Israel.

U.S. stays silent

The United States, Israel’s closest ally, did not immediately comment on the recognitions. President Donald Trump has in the past opposed the creation of a Palestinian state and argued that recognition undermines Israel’s security.

For now, the decisions by Britain, Canada and Australia place them on the side of governments that Palestinians see as supporters of statehood, but critics stress the practical impact is limited.

(With files from Reuters | Agencies)