LONDON/SYDNEY/ MONTREAL — Britain, Australia and Canada on Sunday recognised a Palestinian state, as Israel came under huge international pressure over the war in Gaza

 

“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recogniSes the State of Palestine,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a message on X.

 

Australia "formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine", Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday.

 

"In doing so, Australia recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own," Albanese said in a statement as his country joined other major Western nations in increasing pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza.

 

"Today's act of recognition reflects Australia's longstanding commitment to a two-state solution, which has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples."

 

Canada recognizes a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Sunday.

 

"Canada recognises 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," Carney wrote on the social media platform X.

 

Portugal will officially recognise a Palestinian state on Sunday, Lisbon's foreign ministry said on Friday, ahead of a UN General Assembly where around 10 other countries are set to follow suit.

 

"The ministry of foreign affairs confirms that Portugal will recognise the State of Palestine... the official declaration of recognition will be made on Sunday, September 21," a statement on the ministry's website said.