Canada, U.K., and Australia recognize Palestinian state

Canada formally recognized the state of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a Sunday statement. The decision was meant to strengthen work toward a two-state solution and was in line with longstanding Canadian policy, he said. Both the Hamas terror group and Israel were oppressing Palestinians, he said.

The Palestinian Authority oversees the West Bank from the city of Ramallah while also claiming jurisdiction over the Gaza Strip. The authority made commitments to implement future reforms, Carney said. It would make its governance more democratic, hold 2026 elections free from Hamas influence, and demilitarize a Palestinian state, he said.

Britain and Australia quickly followed Canada’s lead in a coordinated effort, releasing similar statements on Sunday. The Palestinian Authority, unlike Hamas, recognized Israel’s right to exist, said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Portugal also recognized Palestine later on Sunday.

How did the Palestinian Authority respond? The group on Sunday thanked the countries for their decisions. Formal recognition reflected support for international law, a two-state solution, and the end of Israeli occupation, according to the Palestinian Authority’s foreign ministry. The group urged the United States to recognize its authority as well.

How did Israel respond? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said recognition of Palestine rewarded terrorism. A Palestinian state would never be established west of the Jordan River, he said, according to an Associated Press translation of his remarks. He would give an official response after his upcoming visit to the United States, he said.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s report on Israel’s new ground operation in Gaza City.