‘No Palestinian State’: Netanyahu Vows as UK, Australia, Canada Recognise Palestine

Western powers shift stance on Palestine amid Gaza conflict as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects recognition, announces settlement expansion.

In a historic policy shift, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada officially recognised the State of Palestine on Sunday, a move that has drawn sharp condemnation from Israel. Portugal is also expected to follow suit, as global calls grow louder for a two-state solution amid the deepening Gaza conflict.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision on X, declaring:

“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and to advance a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed the sentiment, stating: “Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”

Australia joined in what has become a watershed moment, as these three nations became the first G7 members to formally support Palestinian statehood. France and others are expected to announce similar positions during the UN General Assembly in New York this week.

The recognition comes nearly two years after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks that killed over 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians. Israel’s ongoing military response in Gaza has since left more than 65,000 Palestinians dead, according to UN-verified figures, and triggered a major humanitarian crisis marked by food shortages, displacement, and widespread destruction.

Netanyahu’s Defiant Response: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted furiously to the decision, vowing that there would be “no Palestinian state.” In a message directed at the leaders of Britain, Australia, and Canada, Netanyahu said recognition was “an absurd reward for terrorism” that endangered Israel’s survival.

Speaking ahead of his scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, Netanyahu revealed that his government would soon announce its official response. As an immediate measure, he unveiled plans to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank — a move likely to escalate tensions further.

The recognition marks a dramatic turn in Western diplomacy. For decades, powerful allies such as the UK and Canada argued that Palestinian statehood should only emerge from direct negotiations with Israel. With this move, they join over 140 of the 193 United Nations member states that already recognise Palestine.

Domestic pressure played a role in the UK’s decision. Pro-Palestinian marches have filled London streets for months, and a recent YouGov poll revealed that two-thirds of Britons aged 18–25 support Palestinian statehood. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy acknowledged Britain’s “special burden of responsibility” due to its role in the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which paved the way for the creation of Israel.

Palestinian leaders hailed the recognition as more than symbolic. Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin stressed that it “sends a very clear message to the Israelis on their illusions about continuing their occupation forever.”

While the recognition has been celebrated across the Palestinian territories, analysts caution that it may deepen divisions with Israel and the United States. Netanyahu’s defiance and his plans for settlement expansion highlight the growing rift between Israel and its Western allies, who increasingly frame recognition as a path to peace.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and international diplomatic pressure builds, the recognition of Palestine by these key nations may mark a turning point in one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.

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