By Janet Ekstract, NEW YORK – In a historic move on September 21, the U.K., Canada and Australia recognized an independent State of Palestine, despite opposition from Israel and the U.S. As U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X: “Today to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine.” Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister mark Carney stated on X: “Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.” In July, at the U.N., the U.K.’s Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy stated: “Britain bears a special burden of responsibility to support the two-state solution.” Later on, the same day, Portugal will also recognize Palestinian statehood. Portugal said it will formally declare its recognition of Palestinian statehood in New York on Sunday, September 21. As Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said: “By acting now, as the Portuguese government has decided, we’re keeping alive the possibility of having two states.” While Britain and Canada are the first G-7 countries to make this move – France and other nations are expected to follow, at the annual U.N. General Assembly, opening on Monday, September 22 in New York City.
Meanwhile, as Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin told AFP last week: “Recognition is not symbolic.” She added: “It sends a very clear message to the Israelis on their illusions, on continuing their occupation forever.” Worldwide protests to recognize Palestinian statehood have intensified even in the wake of repeated vetoes at the U.N. Security Council by the U.S. and Israel on a resolution, calling for a ceasefire. On September 21, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said that recognizing a Palestinian state “would endanger our existence and serve as an absurd reward for terrorism.” Despite this claim, analysts have highlighted the fact that Israel’s two far-right ministers, Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have made no secret of their aim to have all Palestinians deported from Gaza with plans for an elaborate ‘riviera’ style construction where Jews would be settled there. The response from most Western nations has been outrage and shock at such blatant statements from Israel’s far-right.
The U.K.’s Lammy told the BBC on Sunday that the Palestinian Authority had been calling for recognition of a Palestinian State for a long time, explaining “and I think a lot of that is wrapped up in hope.” Lammy added: “Will this feed children? No, it won’t, that’s down to humanitarian aid. Will this free hostages? That must be down to a cease-fire.” The U.K. Prime Minister has repeatedly called on Hamas to release the rest of the hostages and is expected to place new sanctions on Hamas.
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