Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday issued a firm rejection of Palestinian statehood, addressing the leaders of Britain, Australia, and Canada, who had recently recognized Palestine as a state.
“I have a clear message for those leaders who have recognized a Palestinian state following the horrific massacre on October 7: you are rewarding terrorism,” Netanyahu stated. “And I have another message for you: it will not happen. No Palestinian state will be established west of the Jordan River.”
His remarks came after the three Western nations—Britain, Australia, and Canada—became the first in their group to officially recognize Palestinian statehood.
With Britain and Canada marking a historic step as the first G7 nations to do so, this shift in policy is expected to gain momentum, with France and other countries potentially following suit during the UN General Assembly, which opens Monday in New York.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed that Britain’s recognition was a move to “revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis,” reaffirming support for a two-state solution.
“Today, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine,” Starmer added.
Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also announced his country’s recognition, offering support in fostering “a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
The recognition by these nations follows decades of Palestinian calls for sovereignty and comes amid escalating international pressure on Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing Gaza conflict, which was triggered by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
Portugal is also expected to formally recognize Palestinian statehood later on Sunday, further intensifying the global movement for Palestinian self-determination as the war in Gaza continues to unfold.
