Britain, Canada and Australia identified a Palestinian state on Sunday in a collaborated relocation substantiated of disappointment over the Gaza war and meant to promote a two-state option, outraging Israel.
Other nations, consisting of France, are anticipated to do the same in the coming days. There was no instant action from Israel’s closest ally, the United States, which has stated it has no strategies at this point to identify a Palestinian state.
Responding to this, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu stated “I have a clear message to those leaders who acknowledge a Palestinian state after the dreadful massacre of October 7: You are providing a substantial benefit to terrorism. And I have another message for you: It will not take place. A Palestinian state will not be developed west of the Jordan River.”
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Australia confirms recognition
Australia’s decision, first signalled in August, was confirmed in a joint statement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
The joint statement said, “Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own. 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 people.”
Coordinated international effort
The move came alongside similar declarations by Canada and the United Kingdom, as Albanese arrived in New York for the 80th UN General Assembly. France, Belgium and Portugal also recognised Palestine during the session, part of what Australia described as “a co-ordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution.”
Canada joins the recognition
Canada formally recognised Palestine on Sunday, acting alongside international partners to preserve the prospects of a two-state solution, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
“Over many decades, Canada’s commitment to [a two-state solution] was premised on the expectation that this outcome would eventually be achieved as part of a negotiated settlement,” the PMO said.
Erosion of the two-state solution
The statement added that the prospect of a two-state solution “has been steadily and gravely eroded” by several events, including the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Israeli parliament’s move to support annexation of the occupied West Bank, and restrictions by the Israeli government on humanitarian aid.
Starmer calls for two-state solution
British PM Keir Starmer said “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.
“The man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths. The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing bombardment of Gaza, the offensive of recent weeks, the starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable.”
Big benefit to terrorism
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu stated “I have a clear message to those leaders who acknowledge a Palestinian state after the dreadful massacre of October 7: You are offering a big benefit to terrorism. And I have another message for you: It will not take place. A Palestinian state will not be developed west of the Jordan River.”
Palestinian President Abbas welcomes the move
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Abbas welcomed the move, saying it would allow the “State of Palestine to live side by side with the State of Israel in security, peace, and good neighbourliness”.
Israel’s UN envoy requires action
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon stated “Empty statements that overlook the truth and the ominous forces of our area do not advance anything. No statement of any nation will alter the easy truth that before whatever the captives should be returned which Hamas needs to be beat. The defeat of Hamas and completion of the war will not be accomplished by performative speeches at the UN, however by the continual pressure and activities on the ground by the State of Israel.”
Israel’s FM Smotrich declines Palestinian state completely
Israeli financing minister Smotrich stated “The days when Britain and other nations would identify our future are over, the required is over, and the only response to the anti-Israeli relocation is sovereignty over the homeland of the Jewish individuals in Judea and Samaria and getting rid of the absurd concept of a Palestinian state from the program permanently.”
Israel’s opposition leader blames Netanyahu for diplomatic crisis
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid stated in a post on X that the “unilateral” acknowledgment of a Palestinian state was a benefit for terrorism, however likewise put a few of the blame on the Netanyahu federal government.
“A working Israeli federal government might have avoided this through expert diplomatic discussion and appropriate diplomacy. The federal government that brought upon us the worst security catastrophe in our history is now likewise bringing upon us the most serious diplomatic crisis,” he stated.
With inputs from firms