Canada, UK, Australia formally recognize Palestinian statehood

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

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed Sunday that the U.K. is formally recognizing a Palestinian state despite vociferous opposition from the U.S. and Israel. His announcement follows those from Canada and Australia.

Canada, the U.K. and Australia all formally recognize a Palestinian state on Sunday, despite opposition from the U.S. and Israel. 

The moves come ahead of the U.N. General Assembly this week, where other nations are also expected to recognize a Palestinian state.

Palestinian statehood

A protester waves a Palestinian flag during a march asking for the "recognition of the State of Palestine and the end of the genocide", in Paris on September 21, 2025. (Photo by Bertrand Guay/AFP via Getty Images)

For context:

More than 140 countries have already said they recognize a Palestinian state, though the move is largely symbolic. 

Big picture view:

The formal recognition of Palestinian statehood by Western countries has angered Israel and the United States, which say recognition emboldens extremists and rewards Hamas, the group that led the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks into southern Israel that triggered the war.

What they're saying:

U.S. President Donald Trump had previously threatened Canada, saying Canada’s announcement "will make it very hard" for the United States to reach a trade agreement with its northern neighbor.

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Israel Gaza war

Meanwhile:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government rejects a two-state solution.

Israeli bombardment over the past 23 months has killed more than 65,100 people in Gaza, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, destroyed vast areas of the strip, displaced around 90% of the population and caused a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with experts saying Gaza City is experiencing famine.

Forty-eight hostages remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to still be alive. Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251 others.