The UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal officially recognise the State of Palestine

The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal all officially recognised the State of Palestine on Sunday.

They joined the over 140 out of 193 United Nations member states, including Ireland, that recognise the sovereignty of Palestine. Other countries, including France, are expected to follow suit this week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The news marked a departure from the four nations' traditional alliance with Israel. The UK's decision was particularly symbolic, given its role in creating Israel.

"The man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths," said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a video message.

"The Israeli government's relentless and increasing bombardment of Gaza, the offensive of recent weeks, the starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable."

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. pic.twitter.com/yrg6Lywc1s

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 21, 2025

Canada and Australia released statements confirming their decision the same day, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney accusing the Israeli government of "working methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established."

"This is the world saying that the cycle of violence has to stop," said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

"You can't just watch what is unfolding there and not have a response. Australia is not [a] big player in the Middle East. It's not a major trading partner. We don't provide arms to Israel. What we can do, though, is to use this statement in conjunction with other partners to make this declaration."

The UK and Canada are known to export arms and military equipment to Israel, though Australia and Portugal do not.

Portugal was the last out of the four to issue a statement. Speaking from New York, Portuguese Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel said a two-state solution is "the only path to a just and lasting peace."

Tánaiste Simon Harris praised the nations' decisions, saying "are very welcome."

"Their announcement today means there are now over 150 countries, including Ireland which took the decision to do so last year, who recognise Palestinian statehood," Harris said.

In May 2024, the Irish Government announced its recognition of the State of Palestine in coordination with Norway and Spain. In 1980, Ireland was the first European Union member state to endorse the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Speaking today ahead of the gathering of the UN General Assembly, Harris said it is "outrageous" and an "extraordinarily dangerous precedent" that a Palestinian delegation is not allowed to attend. Harris and Taoiseach Micheál Martin are in New York to represent Ireland in the assembly.

Palestinians welcomed the statements, with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas saying recognition will help to pave the way for the "State of Palestine to live side by side with the State of Israel in security, peace and good neighbourliness."

The recognitions drew condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"I have a clear message to those leaders who recognise a Palestinian state," Netanyahu said.

"You are giving a huge reward to terrorism. And I have another message for you, it will not happen. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River."

The news follows a report from a UN commission last week, which said Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. It marked the first time such an allegation had been made publicly by a UN body.

In August, the global experts on food security formally confirmed a famine is taking place in Gaza. They said the famine is "entirely man-made" which means it "can be halted and reversed."