UK, Canada and Australia announce formal recognition of Palestinian state

Reuters

The UK has officially recognised a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in a video statement on social media. This follows Canada's move, becoming the first G7 nation to do so, with Australia also making a similar declaration.

Starmer stated that the recognition "keeps alive the possibility of peace" and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to securing the release of Israeli hostages. However, Israel’s foreign ministry condemned the move, calling it a "reward for jihadist Hamas."

Families of those still held in Gaza have expressed concerns in an open letter to Starmer, arguing that the recognition "complicates efforts to bring home our loved ones."

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy defended the UK's stance, telling the BBC that "now is the time to stand up for a two-state solution."

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