ibn sultan
London/Ottawa/Canberra/Lisbon, Sept 22 — In a landmark move, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal have formally recognized the State of Palestine, marking a significant turning point in international diplomacy over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The announcements, made on Sunday, underscore the four nations’ backing of a two-state solution as the only viable path to peace in the Middle East.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the recognition was “a moral and political necessity” to ensure both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that the decision “supports the Palestinian people’s right to statehood while safeguarding Israel’s right to exist.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed this stance, stressing that recognition reflects Australia’s commitment to “justice, dignity, and peace for both peoples.” Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel confirmed the move as consistent with Portugal’s “long-standing support for Palestinian self-determination.”
The Palestinian Authority welcomed the recognition, calling it “a historic victory for the Palestinian cause and a step toward ending decades of occupation.”
Israel, however, strongly condemned the move. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as “an absurd prize for terrorism” and warned that unilateral recognitions risk undermining peace talks.
With this step, the four Western powers join more than 140 UN member states that already recognize Palestine. Analysts say the decision could spur additional countries, especially within Europe and the Commonwealth, to follow suit — significantly reshaping the diplomatic landscape.
