New york: With the UK, Canada and Australia announcing Sunday that they have formally recognized the state of Palestine, more countries are expected to follow suit at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
According to Anadolu Agency, leaders will gather on Monday in New York for the General Assembly to participate in an international conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and the implementation of the two-state solution. This year's session is set to witness recognition of Palestine by France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Andorra, and San Marino.
Ahead of the UN General Assembly, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated in a video message that the moment for recognizing Palestinian statehood "has now arrived." Starmer announced the official recognition of a Palestinian state, emphasizing the importance of keeping alive the possibility of peace and the two-state solution. He affirmed, "So today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly, as prime minister of this great country, that the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine."
Australia's recognition followed a Cabinet meeting in August. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shared on the US social media platform X that Australia formally recognized Palestinian statehood, acknowledging the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own.
Canada also joined in this recognition. Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted the move as part of an international effort to preserve the two-state solution, pledging cooperation with both Palestine and Israel to support peace, democratic governance, security arrangements, and humanitarian aid in the region. He reiterated Canada's long-standing policy of supporting a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to the UK, Australia, and Canada for their 'courageous decisions.'
Earlier this month, Belgium decided to recognize Palestine following an extraordinary Cabinet meeting. A document seen by Anadolu noted the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and Israel's actions, emphasizing a diplomatic signal by joining countries recognizing Palestine.
French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed France's intention to recognize Palestine to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, reinforcing the peace plan's scope. Luxembourg and Malta also announced similar intentions based on the two-state solution principle.
Portugal began the recognition process in July, with the Portuguese Foreign Ministry indicating an official announcement is expected today. Andorra, along with 15 countries, signed the New York Declaration, describing recognition as a fundamental step toward a two-state solution. San Marino's parliament adopted an advisory decision calling for government recognition of Palestine by the year's end.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry welcomed these statements, encouraging other countries to take similar steps. Trkiye continues to call for Palestine's recognition on international platforms.
The Israeli government, which escalated its actions in the West Bank, has threatened annexation to deter countries from recognizing Palestine. The US administration, not opposing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's annexation plan, has warned European governments about recognition steps, suggesting potential harsh responses from Israel. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that recognition could complicate peace agreements in Gaza.
Since its declaration of independence in 1988, the state of Palestine has been recognized by 147 of the 193 UN member states. With expected announcements at the UN General Assembly, this number is anticipated to reach 157.