UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal recognize Palestinian state, sparking Israeli outrage
Four Western nations break with Trump’s stance as Gaza war drives international frustration
LONDON/TORONTO (MNTV) — Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine, aligning themselves with more than 140 countries worldwide and drawing a sharp rebuke from Israel.
The coordinated move, announced ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, comes amid mounting global pressure over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed during nearly two years of Israeli bombardment, according to health authorities.
The recognition marks a significant shift by Western nations traditionally aligned with Israel, reflecting deepening frustration over the lack of progress toward peace.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, invoking the UK’s historic role in shaping the modern Middle East, said recognition was necessary to revive hopes for a two-state solution.
“The man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths. The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing bombardment, starvation, and devastation are utterly intolerable,” he said.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the decision as a step toward peace, emphasizing that it was not a concession to terrorism. “This in no way legitimises Hamas, nor is it any reward for it,” Carney said.
Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel echoed this, calling recognition “a fundamental line of Portuguese foreign policy” and pressing for an immediate ceasefire. Australia also confirmed its recognition, joining the call for renewed negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the announcement, describing it as a “huge reward to terrorism” and insisting that no Palestinian state would be established west of the Jordan River.
The Israeli genocide has left most of Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins, displaced the vast majority of its population, and pushed millions into famine conditions.
International anger has mounted as images of starving children and devastated cities dominate headlines, while Western governments face rising public dissent over arms sales to Israel.
Palestinian officials welcomed the recognition. President Mahmoud Abbas said it would pave the way for “the State of Palestine to live side by side with the State of Israel in security, peace, and good neighbourliness.”
Hamas called the move a positive step but urged concrete action to stop Israeli annexation of the West Bank and to end the war in Gaza.
Reactions were mixed in London, where some citizens hailed the recognition as overdue acknowledgment of Palestinian rights, while others criticized it as undermining Israel while Hamas remains in power.
At the Palestinian Mission in the UK, which could soon be upgraded to an embassy, officials celebrated. Husam Zomlot, head of the mission, called the decision “a moment to correct history and right the wrongs.”
The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has not commented directly, though President Donald Trump has previously reiterated his opposition to Palestinian recognition.
In response to the latest developments, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir vowed to push for annexation of additional West Bank territory seized in 1967.
The decision by Britain carries symbolic weight, given its role in the 1917 Balfour Declaration and its mandate over Palestine following World War I. Analysts noted that the move represents a turning point, signaling a potential broader Western shift toward pressuring Israel into concessions.
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