Manama: The United Kingdom, Canada, and the Commonwealth of Australia have officially recognised the State of Palestine in a coordinated effort to support a two-state solution and to express their frustration over the ongoing war in Gaza, which has drawn criticism from Israel. This joint action places these traditional allies of Israel among approximately 140 other countries that have already extended recognition to Palestine.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the UK, announced the decision in a statement posted on X. He emphasized that the move aims to revive the hope of peace between Palestinians and Israelis and to promote a two-state solution. Starmer highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing the conditions as "utterly intolerable" due to the continuous bombardment, starvation, and destruction.
The decision by the UK, Australia, and Canada comes as other nations, including France, are anticipated to take similar steps during the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York. The collective recognition of the State of Palestine by these countries signifies a significant shift in international diplomatic stances concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.