Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia have officially recognized Palestine as a member state — becoming the first major Western powers to do so ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month.
The decision is part of a rebuke of Israel by the nations over the Jewish state’s war in Gaza.
“Australia’s recognition of Palestine today, alongside Canada and the United Kingdom, is 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 the hostages taken in the atrocities of October 7, 2023,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote in a statement on Sunday.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted an item on his X social media page showing a photo of himself signing Ottawa’s official declaration granting recognition to a Palestinian state.
“Today, Canada recognizes the State of Palestine,” Carney wrote on X.
“Since 1947, it has been the policy of every Canadian government to support a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East,” Carney said in a statement released by his office on Sunday.
“This envisioned the creation of a sovereign, democratic, and viable State of Palestine building its future in peace and security alongside the State of Israel.”
