Britain, Canada and Australia recognize Palestinian state

Britain, Canada and Australia announced Sunday that they now officially recognize the State of Palestine, marking a significant diplomatic shift and piling pressure on Israel as global calls for a two-state solution gather pace.

Canada became the first G7 country to take the step. “Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers partnership in building a peaceful future for both Palestine and Israel,” Prime Minister Mark Carney declared on social media.

Soon after, Australia confirmed its recognition, followed by Britain, which issued an official statement formalizing the move.

The wave of recognition came after Portugal said on Saturday it would acknowledge Palestinian statehood, with France expected to follow on Monday. President Emmanuel Macron is due to announce France’s decision in New York on the eve of the U.N. General Assembly, alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who will address the event via video link.

The initiative forms part of a joint Franco-Saudi push launched in July through the “New York Declaration,” which called for urgent steps to implement a two-state solution and increase international pressure on Israel.