UK, Canada affirm recognition of Palestinian state as 'pathway to peace'

HAMILTON, Canada

The UK and Canada affirmed their recognition Monday of the State of Palestine, describing the move as essential to advancing a two-state solution and achieving peace in the Middle East.

The announcements came during the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, organized under the auspices of the UN and led by France and Saudi Arabia.

"I stand before you today beneath the emblem of the United Nations to confirm the historic decision of the British government to recognize the state of Palestine," said UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

She underlined that the decision "reflects a long-standing truth that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people and the two states are the only path to security and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike."

"Recognition is born of urgency and principle," Cooper stressed, recalling Britain's recognition of Israel 75 years ago.

"My country supported a two-state solution, but only recognized one state. That changes now as we join more than 150 member states in recognizing the state of Palestine and protecting the pathway to peace," she added.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted Ottawa's decades-long support for a two-state solution but warned that it has been "steadily and gravely eroded" by illegal Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence, and the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip.

"The current Israeli government is working methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established," he said, citing "constant aggression against Gaza" and "a devastating famine, another violation of international law."

"In this context, Canada recognizes the State of Palestine, and we offer our full partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel," Carney added.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced an official decision to recognize Palestine. Countries like Australia, Andorra, Belgium and Malta have also officially announced their decision to recognize Palestine.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has been carrying out a genocide in Gaza, which has killed more than 65,300 Palestinians, most of them women and children.