By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia on Sunday formally recognized the State of Palestine in a major diplomatic development after the ongoing war in Gaza, according to media reports.
The move came after 142 countries, including India, voted in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution endorsed the “New York Declaration” on a peaceful settlement of the Palestine issue and the implementation of the two-state solution.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on X that “Today, to revive the hope of peace for Palestinians and Israelis, and to advance a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a similar declaration, emphasized his country’s commitment to peace process in Gaza and in the Middle East.
He said “Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,”.
Australian leaders echoed this position, aligned with Canada and the UK in recognized Palestine as a step toward ending decades of conflict in the Middle East.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin welcomed the decision said the move strengthens international law and safeguards the two-state solution.
“We welcome the decisive and historic decisions of the UK, Canada, and Australia to recognize the State of Palestine. These principled steps uphold international law, protect the two-state solution, and demonstrate a true commitment to ending the occupation and achieving a just peace,” Shahin wrote on X.
UN resolution backed the “New York Declaration” was adopted by a wide margin.
The United States, Israel, and 8 other countries voted against it, while 12 nations abstained.
