Media reports said on September 21 that in a major diplomatic shift, four Western nations — the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal — have officially recognized the State of Palestine.  The announcements were described as both a push for peace and a rebuke of Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese each issued separate statements affirming their governments’ support for a two-state solution. They stressed that recognition of Palestine was aimed at advancing peace and security in the Middle East.

Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel made the announcement in New York, also calling for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, an immediate ceasefire, and a halt to hostilities in Gaza.

Israel pushes back

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, calling it “a reward for Hamas.”  In response, Starmer insisted the recognition was not a gift to Hamas, but rather a step toward ensuring the group plays no role in a future Palestinian state.

“This means Hamas cannot have any part in Palestine’s future or its security,” Starmer said.

Palestinian response

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition, saying it would help Palestine “live side by side with Israel in peace, security, and good neighborliness.”  Hamas also praised the decision but argued it must be accompanied by concrete measures to end the war in Gaza and prevent Israeli annexation of the West Bank.

“Recognition is a crucial step in affirming the rights of our people to their land and holy sites, and in establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital,” Hamas said in a statement, urging the international community to cut ties with Israel.

More countries may follow

Additional Western nations are expected to announce recognition of Palestine during the ongoing 80th UN General Assembly in New York.

Meanwhile, the conflict on the ground has only intensified.  Israeli forces have stepped up ground and air assaults in Gaza, pushing tanks and troops deeper into urban areas.  According to Gaza health officials, more than 100 people were killed in the past two days.

Hours earlier, Hamas launched two rockets into southern Israel, one of which was intercepted by Israeli defense systems while the other fell without causing damage, according to Israeli media.