In a major diplomatic shift, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada have formally recognised the State of Palestine, just days before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York. The coordinated move is seen as one of the most significant Western endorsements of Palestinian statehood in decades, reigniting the global debate over the two-state solution.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision on X, saying recognition was aimed at reviving “the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a detailed statement, recalling Canada’s long-standing support for a two-state solution. He criticised Israel’s settlement expansion and military actions in Gaza, calling them violations of international law, and said Canada’s recognition seeks to build a pathway to lasting peace.

In Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed recognition of Palestine as an “independent and sovereign state.” They emphasised reforms by the Palestinian Authority, while stressing Hamas would have “no role” in Palestine’s future governance.

The recognition by the three Western democracies aligns them with much of the Arab world and Global South, and places new pressure on the United States and European Union members to reconsider their stance on Palestinian statehood.

Welcoming the move, Palestine’s Mission to the UN said these “courageous decisions” were consistent with international law and UN resolutions.

As the UNGA session begins, the coordinated announcements are expected to heighten debate on Middle East peace and Israel-Palestine relations.