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Canada, UK, and Australia Officially Recognize Palestine

  • Writer: Moongyoung Kim
    Moongyoung Kim
  • Sep 27
  • 2 min read

Sep 27, 2025

Moongyoung Kim



On September 21, 2025, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia announced that they officially recognize Palestine as a state. The three governments said the decision was part of “international efforts to keep the two-state solution alive,” while also calling on Israel to agree to a ceasefire.


This move follows earlier recognitions by Ireland, Spain and France. It comes at a time when global criticism of Israel’s invasion of Gaza and the long war is growing. With 50.000 of civilians killed and millions forced to leave their homes, many observers say the Western recognition of Palestine is late, but essential.


Diplomatic experts said, “The support of these major Western countries is an important signal for strengthening Palestine’s status as a state,” but added that it is a symbolic move, coming only after years of unconditional support for Israel.


At the same time, Canada, the UK and Australia confirmed they still classify Hamas as a terrorist group and will block its participation in politics. They explained this was to make clear that recognizing Palestine does not mean supporting Hamas. Critics argue that this shows the West’s double standard and ignores the diversity of Palestinian politics.


Israel and the United States reacted strongly against the decision. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Leaders who recognize Palestine are rewarding terror,” and declared that “there will never be a Palestinian state in the West Bank.” U.S. Defense Secretary Marco Rubio also argued that recognizing Palestine would “only make Hamas bolder.” But many international observers say such statements ignore the growing criticism of Israel’s destruction in Gaza and its occupation policies.



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