The UK, Canada and Australia formally recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday.
Why it matters: The decision by three of the U.S. and Israel's closest allies further isolates the Trump administration and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Both oppose a Palestinian state.
- The move comes ahead of an international peace conference organized by France and Saudi Arabia in support of the two-state solution and in opposition of Hamas that will take place on Monday in New York.
- Several other countries, including France, are also expected to recognize a Palestinian state during this week's U.N. General Assembly.
Driving the news: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement that the UK's decision was made to preserve the future possibility of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- "Today to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly as prime minister of this great country that the UK formally recognizes the State of Palestine," he said.
- He called for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas, which he defined as a "brutal terrorist organization."
- "A call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision," Starmer said. He added that Hamas can have no role in the future governance of Gaza or of the Palestinian state.
- Starmer said the UK will sanction more Hamas leaders in the coming weeks and harshly criticized the Israeli government for the war in Gaza. "It must end," he said.
- "We call on the Israeli government to lift the unacceptable restrictions at the border. Stop these cruel tactics," he said.
President Trump said earlier this week in a meeting with Starmer that they "disagree" on the issue of recognizing a Palestinian state.
Zoom out: Shortly before Starmer's announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also announced their countries recognize the state of Palestine.
- Albanese said that further steps, like diplomatic relations and the opening of embassies, will be considered as the Palestinian Authority implements its commitments for reforms.
- Carney said the current Israeli government "is working methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established."
What they're saying: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition and said it will "pave the way for the implementation of the two-state solution, allowing the State of Palestine to live side by side with the State of Israel in security, peace and good neighborliness."
- Abbas emphasized the priority now is a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and prisoners and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. He added that the State of Palestine is ready to assume "its full responsibilities" in Gaza once the war ends.
The other side: The Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Israel "categorically rejects" the recognition of a Palestinian state by the UK, Canada and Australia and called it "political gestures aimed at a domestic voting audience."
- "This declaration does not promote peace, but on the contrary, further destabilizes the region and undermines the chances of achieving a peaceful solution in the future," the statement said.
What to watch: Netanyahu said in a statement that the Israeli response to the recognitions will be announced after his planned meeting with Trump on September 29.
- Netanyahu is considering annexing parts of the West Bank in retaliation, but wants to get a "green light" from the Trump administration for this move.
- "I have a clear message to those leaders who recognize a Palestinian state after the horrific massacre of October 7: you are giving an enormous prize to terror. And I have another message for you: It will not happen. There will not be a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River."
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from Netanyahu, the Israeli Foreign Ministry and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
