LONDON, England — The United Kingdom has formally recognised the State of Palestine, joining over 150 countries in a move Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as a pledge to both Palestinians and Israelis that “there can be a better future.”
In a video address shared on X, Starmer said the decision was intended to build momentum for a genuine two-state solution.
“I know the strength of feeling that this conflict provokes,” he said. “We have seen it on our streets, in our schools and conversations we have had with friends and family. It has created division, some have used it to stoke hatred and fear but that solves nothing. Not only must we reject hate, we must redouble our efforts to combat hatred in all its forms.”
Starmer emphasised that recognition was not a concession to Hamas.
“Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of [Hamas’s] hateful vision. This solution is not a reward for Hamas because it means Hamas can have no future, no role in government, no role in security. We have already prescribed and sanctioned Hamas and we will go further,” he said.
Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine. pic.twitter.com/yrg6Lywc1s
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 21, 2025
The announcement followed similar declarations by Canada and Australia on Sunday, September 21, 2025, signalling what appears to be a coordinated diplomatic effort.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country “offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
In Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that “effective today, Sunday the 21st of September 2025, the Commonwealth of Australia formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine.”
Palestinian foreign minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin welcomed the decisions, calling them “a move bringing us closer to sovereignty and independence. It might not end the war tomorrow, but it’s a move forward, which we need to build on and amplify.”
But the announcement drew sharp criticism from Israel. Security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir condemned the decisions as “a reward for jihadist Hamas,” claiming the recognition amounted to emboldening extremists.
“Hamas leaders themselves openly admit: this recognition is a direct outcome, the ‘fruit’ for the 7 October massacre,” he said.
The coordinated recognitions come amid continued international pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza and renewed calls for the release of hostages taken during the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.
Diplomats say the moves by three major Western countries may add fresh impetus to stalled negotiations, though the path to a lasting peace remains uncertain.
