Britain, Canada, Australia recognize independent state of Palestine

Pars Today – On Sunday, the British government, together with Australia and Canada, in a historic move reflecting the growing rift between the West and the Israeli regime, recognized the independent State of Palestine.

According to Pars Today, Britain had previously warned that if the Israeli regime failed to take tangible steps to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, it would recognize the independent State of Palestine within the framework of preserving what it called the “two-state solution.”

London had outlined expectations including Israel’s immediate halt to attacks and agreement to a ceasefire, guarantees for lasting peace and revival of the two-state prospect, allowing the UN to resume humanitarian aid deliveries, and refraining from occupying Palestinian lands in the West Bank.

Officials in London say that none of these conditions have been met, and that Israel’s recent attack on Qatar has further darkened the prospects for a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, announcing that London recognizes the State of Palestine to revive hope for peace, said in a statement—published on the UK government’s website—that:

"In the face of increasing horror in West Asia, we are taking action to ensure that the possibility of peace and the realization of the two-state solution remain alive. Ordinary people deserve to live in peace and to rebuild their lives free from violence and suffering."

Criticizing the escalation of Israeli attacks in Gaza, Starmer added: "The man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a new depth, and the relentless and increasing bombardment, famine, and destruction are completely unbearable. Tens of thousands have been martyred, including thousands trying to obtain food and water. This death and devastation must end."

At the same time, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a statement recalling the country’s commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state since 1947, announced Ottawa’s decision to officially recognize the independent State of Palestine.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also announced last Monday that the country officially recognizes the “independent and sovereign State of Palestine.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, supporting the decisions of Britain, Canada, and Australia, said in a statement that the recognition of the State of Palestine by these three countries is an important and forward-looking step as part of the (so-called) two-state solution.