In a long-anticipated move, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have formally recognized Palestinian statehood, joining over 140 countries that already recognize Palestine.
The announcements came in succession on Sunday, one day before the United Nations General Assembly high-level week kicks off, from September 22-30, 2025.
The very first time that UK talked about the possibility of recognizing Palestine was in July. This move is a clear shift in long-held diplomatic positions by these countries, which are close to Israel as well as are the United States’ allies.
Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/yrg6Lywc1s
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 21, 2025
Over decades, these countries have maintained recognizing Palestine only after Palestinians and Israel reach a settlement among themselves, in line with the two-state solution.
This recognition, announced by the three very powerful countries, is a clear shift away from that position. At the UNGA, this will motivate more countries to join.
Some have already announced their intentions to recognize Palestinian statehood at the UNGA including France, New Zealand, Belgium, San Marino, Malta, Luxembourg, and Andorra.
Today, Canada recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/zhumVJRBfe
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) September 21, 2025
Portugal’s Foreign Minister also said that his country is recognizing Palestine, Sunday evening. By and large, this wave of recognition is European because much of the Global South already recognizes Palestine.
It is important because the countries now coming forward are powerful and carry a sway but the weight of these decisions will be more symbolic for now.
Palestine has an observer status at the UN, which was granted in 2012. For it to become a full time member and have voting rights, the United Nations Security Council members must all vote in favor.
But the United States never does. Using its veto, it will block any move towards making Palestine a full time member of the UN. On Thursday, it blocked for the sixth time a UNSC resolution calling for ceasefire in Gaza.
Read More: Palestine Urges Netherlands for a Trade Embargo on Israel
As Starmer announced the recognition decision, he did not stay silent on the crisis and destruction imposed on Gaza by Israel.
“The man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths. The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing bombardment of Gaza, the offensive of recent weeks, the starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable,” the Prime Minister said.
Israel was quick to respond. “A Palestinian state will not be established,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. “It will not happen.”
Commenting on the move by UK, Canada, and Australia, Hamas called it “an important step in maintaining the right of our Palestinian people to their land and holy sites, and to establishing their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.”
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
