Recognition of the State of Palestine by Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Portugal (2025)

Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Portugal’s Recognition of the State of Palestine (2025) is a diplomatic decision announced simultaneously by the four countries on 21 September 2025. These decisions, declared ahead of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, aim to reinvigorate the two-state solution process amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza and settlement activities in the West Bank.

Canada’s Recognition Decision

On 21 September 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada formally recognized the State of Palestine. Carney stated that this decision was a continuation of Canada’s two-state solution policy, which it has upheld since 1947. In his statement, he accused the Israeli government of systematically obstructing the establishment of a Palestinian state. He emphasized that Israel’s settlement activities in the West Bank violate international law and that in Gaza tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, millions displaced and driven to starvation.

The Canadian government clarified that the recognition decision was not intended as a final solution but was consistent with fundamental human rights principles outlined in the United Nations Charter and Canada’s long-standing policies. Carney noted that the Palestinian leadership had made direct commitments to the international community and to Canada, including holding general elections, establishing a democratic governance structure and disarming state institutions.

Canada pledged to support Palestine in implementing these commitments. Carney stated that his country supports a credible peace plan, democratic governance, concrete security arrangements and the sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Australia’s Recognition Decision

On 21 September 2025, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Australia formally recognized the State of Palestine. Albanese affirmed that Australia recognizes an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, describing this as a long-standing goal of the Palestinian people. The recognition was presented as part of Australia’s continued support for the two-state solution.

In a joint statement issued with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Albanese noted that the decision was coordinated with Canada and the United Kingdom. The Australian government linked this move to efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

The statement also stressed that Hamas must have no role in Palestine. Australia declared that this decision was taken to reinvigorate international negotiations toward a two-state solution.

United Kingdom’s Recognition Decision

On 21 September 2025, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK formally recognized the State of Palestine. Starmer stated that the purpose of this decision was to revive the hope for a two-state solution and the expectation of peace. In his remarks, he drew attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including widespread hunger and destruction, and declared Israel’s escalating bombardments unacceptable.

Starmer formally communicated the recognition decision to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a letter. In the letter, he affirmed that the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and statehood had been recognized, describing the decision as historically aligned with the United Kingdom’s role. Starmer also announced that UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper would meet with her Palestinian counterpart to advance the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Before the recognition, the United Kingdom had imposed several restrictions on its relations with Israel, including suspending certain arms export licenses, halting trade agreement negotiations and supporting the International Criminal Court’s decision regarding Netanyahu. Starmer emphasized that the recognition of the State of Palestine was not merely symbolic but would contribute to increasing humanitarian aid in Gaza, securing a ceasefire and supporting Palestinian reforms.

Portugal’s Recognition Decision

On 21 September 2025, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel announced at the Portuguese Permanent Mission in New York that Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine. Rangel stated that this decision reflected a fundamental and enduring principle of Portugal’s foreign policy. According to the announcement, the decision had been adopted by the Council of Ministers on 18 September 2025 and received broad support from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the majority of parliamentary parties.

Rangel outlined three pillars underpinning the recognition. First, he emphasized that the Palestinian leadership must condemn terrorism, implement reforms, prepare for elections, assume governance responsibilities in Gaza and recognize Israel. Second, he stated that Arab countries that have not yet recognized Israel must do so and clearly reject Hamas. Third, he asserted that Western countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine must now take this step.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also endorsed the government’s decision, stating that he believed it would open the path to implementing the two-state solution. Sousa described Palestine’s recognition as a “matter of conscience and principle” for Portugal.

Rangel further highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, condemning starvation, destruction and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. He declared that Hamas must not exercise control over Palestine either within or outside its borders and stressed the necessity of a ceasefire and the release of captives.

International Reactions

Responses from Palestine

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the recognition decisions by Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. In its statement, it affirmed that these decisions aligned with international law and legitimacy and stemmed from a sensitivity to ending occupation and establishing peace. It also called on countries that have not yet recognized Palestine, notably the United States, to take similar steps.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his satisfaction with the decisions by Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. Abbas described this development as a significant step toward achieving a just and lasting peace. He evaluated the United Kingdom’s recognition as the formal acknowledgment of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, freedom and independence. He further emphasized that this step would enable Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in security, peace and good neighborliness.

Abbas received the UK’s formal recognition letter from British Consul General in Ramallah Helen Winterton, which he regarded as confirmation of the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights. Palestinian Deputy President Hussein al-Sheikh, in a social media statement, described the three countries’ recognition as the result of the Palestinian people’s patience, determination and resistance. He labeled the development a “historic day” for the Palestinian people.

The Palestinian leadership also welcomed Portugal’s recognition announced on 21 September 2025. President Abbas described Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel’s announcement as a “courageous step.” He stated that this decision would pave the way for the implementation of the two-state solution and enable Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in peace and security. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs assessed Portugal’s decision as consistent with international law and supportive of peace and pledged to strengthen bilateral relations with Portugal.

Hamas viewed the decisions as an “important step” but insisted they must be accompanied by practical measures to halt military attacks in Gaza and counter annexation projects in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Fatah also assessed the recognitions as a historic milestone in Palestine’s struggle for freedom and independence. The movement declared that these decisions represented a diplomatic victory for Palestine and confirmed the legitimacy of the people’s rights.

Israel’s Responses

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement condemning the recognition decisions by Canada, Australia, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Netanyahu claimed the recognition amounted to “rewarding terrorism” and asserted that Israel had long prevented the establishment of a Palestinian state and would continue to do so. He also stated that Israel had doubled the number of illegal Jewish settlements in the West Bank and would maintain this policy. Netanyahu indicated that upon his return from the United States, he would announce steps against these countries and threatened to annex the West Bank, saying “Wait and see.”

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar also called for the annexation of the West Bank following the four countries’ decisions.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejected the recognition decisions, arguing that they did not promote peace but instead destabilized the region. It declared that unilateral recognitions by the United Kingdom and other countries were unacceptable. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused the recognizing countries of engaging in “immoral and ugly” conduct.

Responses from Other Countries

Arab countries welcomed the recognition decisions by Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Portugal. The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the decisions reflected the international will to end occupation and realize the Palestinian people’s right to establish their own state. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed that the recognitions confirmed the principle that no lasting solution or stability in the region is possible without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, as outlined in the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the decisions would strengthen hopes for peace and support international efforts. The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the development as a crucial step toward implementing the two-state solution. Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jassim al-Budaiwi labeled the recognitions as “courageous” and emphasized that they affirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

From Europe, Slovenia, through Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, expressed support for the decisions by Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Portugal. Fajon stated that she hoped this development would mark a significant beginning toward a lasting peace between Palestine and Israel.

The United States did not issue a direct statement on the recognition decisions. However, US President Donald Trump had previously opposed the recognition of Palestine and deemed such a step inappropriate. It was also recalled that the United States has used its veto power in the UN Security Council to block Palestine’s applications for full UN membership.