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UK, Canada and Australia announce formal recognition of Palestinian state | BBC News

2025-09-21 News & Politics
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UK Formally Recognizes Palestinian State Amidst International Coordination

The UK officially recognizes Palestine as a state to reignite peace hopes, joining allies Canada and Australia in a coordinated diplomatic push against the deteriorating situation on the ground.

Short Summary

  • The UK formally recognized Palestine, making Keir Starmer the first G7 leader to do so, contingent on reviving the two-state solution.
  • Canada and Australia made simultaneous announcements, creating powerful international symbolism against Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
  • Netanyahu criticized the move as rewarding terrorism, while Palestinian leaders welcomed recognition but demanded immediate sanctions on Israel to enforce change.
  • The timing is linked to unmet demands regarding Gaza and expanding Israeli settlements, though critics also point to domestic political considerations.

This broadcast details the timing and motivations behind the UK's major foreign policy shift regarding Palestine, presenting reactions from Israeli and Palestinian leadership, and analyzing the diplomatic landscape involving the US and potential required next steps at the UN.

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Description

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK now formally recognises a Palestinian state. "Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly - as prime minister of this great country - that the United Kingdom formally recognises the state of Palestine," he said in a video statement. Earlier, Canada became the first G7 nation to make the move, closely followed by Australia. Keir Starmer's deputy, David Lammy, earlier defended the move - telling the BBC "now is the time to stand up for a two-state solution". Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has previously opposed countries recognising Palestinian statehood, saying it "rewards Hamas terror" and "hardens" the group's "refusal to free hostages". Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news #Palestine #Israel #UK #BBCNews

Top Comments (10)

@isolationnationn 2025-09-21

"While we refuse to help him, we recognise that the drowning man is indeed a real person."

2.1k 138 replies
@limingyang2479 2025-09-21

DO NOT just talk, DO something first

878 52 replies
@jonen2 2025-09-21

A peaceful two-state solution could have been begun over 100 years ago. Both UK and USA could have done so much more to help develop peace. The world is so sad to see what has happened.

421 70 replies
@AhmedMahmoudAMH 2025-09-21

Arabs and Jews have lived in these lands for hundreds of years. No point of trying to cancel each other out. It's just stupid. I hope one day all people in these lands can live peacefully with equal rights and access to their holy lands.

393 95 replies
@MartianTom 2025-09-21

More symbolism and empty words. This is like saying to someone being beaten up 'I'm on your side' whilst continuing to watch them being beaten up. Starmer began his statement with the phrase 'We are acting...' Precisely. It's performance. Nothing more.

272 13 replies
@JimmyClam-p7n 2025-09-22

Why cant everyone live in peace in this beautiful world? STOP ALL WARS!!

137 43 replies
@fawziekefli2273 2025-09-21

Instead of saying "yay," I find I'm asking myself "What's he up to?"

53 10 replies
@Sir_Rogers 2025-09-21

The most dangerous enemies of humanity are not those who openly call for genocide. Even more dangerous are those who, under the guise of compassion and humanity, secretly support the most atrocious crimes.

5 1 replies
@joecitizen7463 2025-09-22

Carney’s personal views are not “Canadian views”!

3
@robertwhite5323 2025-09-21

Why just now ?

1

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