Historic shift in Western foreign policy triggers Israeli anger amid Gaza war pressure
LONDON, United Kingdom – Britain, Australia and Canada formally recognised Palestinian statehood Sunday, breaking with decades of Western foreign policy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wasn’t having any of it.
Major Western Powers Break Ranks
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement on X, saying: “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.”
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney followed with his own declaration: “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.”
Portugal jumped in too, confirming it would make its own formal declaration at the UN General Assembly opening Monday in New York. This marks the first time G7 nations have taken such a step. France and other European countries may well follow suit.
What’s striking here is how far Britain and Canada have moved from their old position, that Palestinian statehood should only happen through direct talks with Israel. The timing seems pretty deliberate, coming as international pressure mounts over Israel’s Gaza offensive that started after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack.
Israeli Leadership Pushes Back Hard
Netanyahu’s response was swift and angry. He warned that calls for a Palestinian state “would endanger our existence and serve as an absurd reward for terrorism.” He’s promised to fight the recognition at upcoming UN discussions.
Israel’s argument has always been that unilateral recognition undermines peace talks and essentially rewards what they see as terrorist behavior by Hamas and other Palestinian groups. Whether that argument still carries the same weight internationally appears to be shifting.
The Numbers Tell a Story
Here’s what’s interesting: over 140 of the 193 UN member states already recognize Palestinian statehood. That’s three-quarters of the world. But the US and most Western allies had held back, waiting for some kind of comprehensive peace deal.
This shift likely reflects growing frustration with what’s happening in Gaza. The health ministry there reports at least 65,208 deaths, mostly civilians, according to UN figures. The conflict started after Hamas killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, in their October attack.
UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has talked about Britain’s “special burden of responsibility” given its history in the region. Hard to ignore that the 1917 Balfour Declaration basically set the stage for Israel’s creation over a century ago.
Pressure from Home
British public opinion has been shifting for months. Those monthly protests in London? They’ve been drawing thousands. A YouGov poll from Friday showed two-thirds of young Britons aged 18-25 back Palestinian statehood.
Starmer had actually laid out conditions earlier, Israeli commitments to a Gaza ceasefire, more humanitarian aid, promises not to annex the West Bank. Seems like the Labour government decided those weren’t happening.
“Will this feed children? No it won’t, that’s down to humanitarian aid. Will this free hostages? That must be down to a ceasefire,” Lammy told the BBC Sunday. But he framed it as trying to keep hope alive for a two-state solution.
Palestinians See This Differently
Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin was clear that “recognition is not symbolic.” She told AFP it sends “a very clear message to the Israelis on their illusions about continuing their occupation forever.”
The Palestinian Authority, which runs parts of the West Bank, has been pushing for international recognition as a way to end Israeli occupation and build real sovereignty. For them, this isn’t just diplomatic theater.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa put it this way: “By acting now, as the Portuguese government has decided, we’re keeping alive the possibility of having two states.”
What Happens Next?
This coordinated move might push other European nations to follow. Whether it influences US policy remains unclear, Washington hasn’t signaled any change. The Biden administration still backs a negotiated two-state solution while supporting Israel’s security.
The timing during UN General Assembly week suggests there’s a broader strategy at play to build international consensus around Palestinian statehood. That could make it harder for Israel to maintain the current situation in occupied territories.
But whether recognition translates into meaningful change on the ground? That’s the real question.
