The United States has criticised the recognition of Palestine by Britain, Australia, Canada, and Portugal, calling the move “performative.” A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said Washington’s focus remains on “serious diplomacy” and stressed priorities such as the release of hostages, Israel’s security, and peace in the wider region. The official also blamed Hamas for the ongoing crisis.
The recognition marks a historic policy shift for countries that have long aligned with the U.S. and Israel. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the decision was made to “keep alive the possibility of peace and the two-state solution” in the face of growing violence in the Middle East. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also called for building a future of peace for both Israel and Palestine.
More countries are expected to join the list during the UN General Assembly, including France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Andorra, and San Marino. This wave of recognition is seen as increasing Israel’s diplomatic isolation and challenging Washington’s position.
Israel reacted sharply to the announcements. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to block the creation of a Palestinian state, declaring, “It will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.” He is expected to announce further steps after returning from the U.S., where he is meeting President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the annexation of the occupied West Bank and said he would push his proposal in the next Cabinet meeting.
Currently, nearly three-quarters of UN member states already recognise Palestine. Last year, Ireland, Spain, and Norway formally extended recognition, and momentum for wider acceptance is growing.
