UK, Canada, Australia Recognize Palestine State, Draw Backlash from U.S., Israel [WATCH]

The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia announced on Sunday that they officially recognize Palestine as a member state of the United Nations, becoming the first major Western powers to extend such recognition.

The move comes ahead of the UN General Assembly in Manhattan later this month and represents a direct challenge to Israel, which has strongly opposed Palestinian statehood amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply condemned the decision, calling it a reward for terrorism following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault that killed and abducted Israeli civilians.

“I have a clear message to those leaders who recognize a Palestinian state after the terrible massacre of October 7: You are giving a huge reward to terrorism,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement after a cabinet meeting.

He added, “It will not happen. There will not be a Palestinian state west of the Jordan.”

🇮🇱🇵🇸 NETANYAHU THREATENS THOSE WHO RECOGNIZE PALESTINE: “YOU ARE BEARING A GREAT PRICE FOR TERRORISM”

“I have a clear message for those leaders who recognize the Palestinian state after the terrible massacre on October 7.

You are bearing a great price for terrorism.

I have… https://t.co/p2CX4iNG3U pic.twitter.com/CDQfTUqMC0

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 21, 2025

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

The White House quickly reaffirmed its support for Israel. A U.S. official told the New York Post that President Trump has no intention of recognizing Palestinian statehood.

“As the president stated, he would be rewarding Hamas and would be hindering efforts to bring home the hostages if he recognizes a Palestinian state, and he doesn’t think they should be rewarded,” the official said.

“So he is not going to do that.”

Israeli officials warned of strong responses to the recognition. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for immediate annexation of the West Bank.

“The recognition by the UK, Canada, and Australia of a ‘Palestinian’ state, as a prize for the murderous Nukhba terrorists, requires immediate countermeasures,” he said.

🇮🇱 Israel’s National Security Minister Ben-Gvir called for urgent “countermeasures” after several countries recognized Palestine.

The recognition of Britain, Canada, and Australia of a “Palestinian state,” as a reward for the murderers of the Nukhba, requires immediate… pic.twitter.com/Z0mK7wjcKJ

— Jack Straw (@JackStr42679640) September 21, 2025

Netanyahu indicated he will coordinate with President Trump to oppose the recognition during the upcoming UN Assembly.

Both leaders have previously rejected Palestinian statehood, warning that it could destabilize the region and empower Hamas.

Palestine currently holds “observer” status at the UN, which allows participation but not voting rights.

More than 145 of the UN’s nearly 200 member states already recognize Palestinian statehood, but the latest announcements mark the first time prominent Western allies of the U.S. have joined that list.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL) criticized the recognition in a statement.

“Recognition of a ‘State of Palestine’ is empty virtue signaling that only rewards the Hamas butchers and rapists,” Mast said.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of those still held captive in Gaza, also condemned the move.

“Offering such significant political rewards without securing the return of all 48 of our loved ones represents a catastrophic failure of political, moral, and diplomatic leadership that will severely damage efforts to bring them all home,” the group said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the decision in remarks on X.

“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.,” he wrote.

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

Starmer stressed that the move should not be seen as support for Hamas, which he called “a brutal terror organization.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a similar statement, saying, “Australia’s recognition of Palestine today, alongside Canada and the United Kingdom, is part of a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution, starting with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages taken in the atrocities of October 7, 2023.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced, “Today, Canada recognizes the State of Palestine.”

In a follow-up statement, Carney said Canada has supported a two-state solution since 1947, envisioning “the creation of a sovereign, democratic, and viable State of Palestine building its future in peace and security alongside the State of Israel.”

Since 1947, Canada has supported a two-state solution – Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and security. Today, Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of lasting peace in the Middle East. https://t.co/wyORqCiyib

— Prime Minister of Canada (@CanadianPM) September 21, 2025

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition, saying it was essential for regional stability.

Several other European countries—including France, Belgium, Portugal, Luxembourg, Malta, and San Marino—have also indicated plans to formalize recognition of Palestine, many timing their announcements around the UN gathering in New York.

Belgium has attached conditions, while San Marino has outlined a gradual process, but others are expected to follow through without reservations.

The decisions by the UK, Canada, and Australia highlight a significant diplomatic shift among Western powers, further isolating Israel and the United States as they continue to oppose Palestinian statehood in the international arena.