The United Kingdom, Canada and Australia have now formally recognised a Palestinian State, stressing that this might be the most enduring path to peace between Israel and Palestine, a move that has infuriated the Israeli authorities.
British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announced his country’s recognition in a video statement on social media on Sunday even as Canada became the first G7 nation to make the same move, followed by Australia.
Starmer said it keeps “alive the possibility of peace” and insisted the UK will “keep fighting to bring” home Israeli hostages.
Canada announced its recognition on Sunday, with Prime Minister Mark Carney saying “Canada does so as part of a co-ordinated international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution.”
Australia also recognised a Palestinian State on Sunday, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying he’s received restated commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA) that it will continue to recognise Israel’s right to exist.
However, Israel’s foreign ministry said: “recognition is nothing but a reward for jihadist Hamas”
Families of those still being held in Gaza expressed concern in an open letter to Starmer, saying the recognition “complicates efforts to bring home our loved ones.”
Earlier, Deputy PM David Lammy defended the UK’s position, telling the BBC “now is the time to stand up for a two-state solution.”
Hostage relatives of hostages, however, said Starmer’s decision was ‘nothing less than a betrayal.’
Adam Ma’anit’s cousin was held hostage – his body was returned earlier this year. Adam said Starmer’s move was a “betrayal.”
“We’ve recently received a statement from Adam Ma’anit, whose cousin Tsachi Idan was held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
“Idan was one of four dead Israeli hostages whose bodies were handed over by Hamas in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners back in February.
“Reacting to Keir Starmer’s announcement from a few hours ago, he tells me it feels like “nothing less than a betrayal” of the hostages and their families.
“Instead of using Britain’s influence to force Hamas to release the 48 hostages… it rewards Hamas with exactly what they call the ‘fruits of October 7’,” they stated.
There are 48 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza, 20 of whom are thought to be alive.
