Britain, Canada and Australia formally recognize State of Palestine

Britain, Canada and Australia formally recognized the State of Palestine on Sunday, a move seen as a rebuke of Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza and an effort to pressure a shift toward a two-state solution.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the decision to join nearly 150 other nations in recognizing Palestinian statehood was made “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis.”

Starmer had announced his intention to recognize in late July, but said he would defer if Israel took steps to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas, and pursued peace that allowed Palestinians their own state.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney also announced his country's recognition on Sunday. “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,” he said.

The apparently coordinated action by the three countries comes ahead of the United Nations General Assembly this week, where France and Portugal are also expected to recognize the State of Palestine.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin welcomed the announcements. “It is a move bringing us closer to sovereignty and independence. It might not end the war tomorrow, but it's a move forward, which we need to build on and amplify,” she said.

This is a developing story.