London: The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have officially recognized Palestine as a state.
The UK had given Israel an ultimatum in July, stating that if Israel did not take steps to end the ongoing crisis in Gaza, then the UK would recognize Palestine as a state in September.
In a statement issued on the social media platform X, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the UK is officially recognizing Palestine as a state in order to keep alive the hope of peace and a two-state solution for both Palestinians and Israelis.
The British Prime Minister stated that Hamas should have no role in the government and security of Palestine.
Canada has also recognized Palestine as a state. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that the Israeli government is working with a systematic strategy to block the prospects of establishing a Palestinian state.
He said that the Palestinian Authority has assured Canada and the international community that it will implement necessary reforms, including fundamental changes in governance structure, holding general elections by 2026 — in which Hamas will have no role — and disarming the Palestinian state.
The Australian government has also announced the recognition of Palestine as a state, saying that recognizing the Palestinian state is part of international efforts for a two-state solution.
The Australian government stated that Hamas should have no role in Palestine.
The Australian government further said that after the assurances given by the Palestinian Authority are implemented, steps like establishing diplomatic relations and opening embassies with Palestine will be considered.
