G7 Nations Step Up: Canada, UK, Australia Recognise Palestine

Canada has become the first G7 nation to officially recognise the State of Palestine, with Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing on Sunday that the country “offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future” for both Palestinians and Israelis.

Following Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom quickly issued their own recognition statements. All three nations had previously indicated plans to make this historic move.

The recognitions come amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank. These issues are expected to dominate discussions at a United Nations meeting this week.

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Israel has opposed the recognitions, saying they would reward Hamas “terror” for the 7 October 2023 attack that killed 1,200 people and left 251 hostages. The Israeli foreign ministry described the move as “nothing but a reward for jihadist Hamas,” claiming Hamas itself acknowledged the recognition as a “fruit” of the attack.

The Palestinian Authority welcomed the recognitions, calling them “courageous decisions in line with international law and international legitimacy resolutions.”

Canada’s recognition, Carney emphasized, does not legitimise terrorism. He said the move depends on the Palestinian Authority committing to democratic reforms, including holding elections next year without Hamas involvement.

Carney reiterated Canada’s support for Israel’s security, stating that recognition “in no way compromises Canada’s steadfast support for the State of Israel, its people, and their security – security that can only ultimately be guaranteed through the achievement of a comprehensive two-state solution.”

Carney cited four reasons for the erosion of prospects for a negotiated two-state solution: Hamas’ longstanding rejection of Israel’s right to exist, accelerated settlement building and associated violence, a Knesset vote calling for West Bank annexation, and Israel’s contribution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The two-state solution envisions a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israel currently occupies both territories and is conducting a ground offensive in Gaza City. Earlier this week, a UN commission of inquiry concluded Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a finding Israel dismissed as “distorted and false.”

The recent recognitions by Canada, the UK, and Australia highlight a diplomatic rift with the United States. France is also expected to announce recognition of Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly session, a move US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called “reckless.”

As diplomatic responses continue, international attention is focusing on the UN General Assembly session later this week, where the future of Palestinian state recognition and related humanitarian issues are expected to be debated.