Hamas: "Jerusalem as the Capital"
Israel: "Rewarding Terrorism"
The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal officially recognized Palestine as a state on the 21st (local time).
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement declaring that this move is "part of the international community's efforts to keep the possibility of a two-state solution alive." He explained, "Recognizing a state led by the Palestinian Authority empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of the armed faction Hamas," adding, "This is not about legitimizing or rewarding terrorism."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also stated, "To revive hope for peace and a two-state solution, I make it clear that the United Kingdom officially recognizes the State of Palestine." He continued, "This is not a reward for Hamas," emphasizing, "(The two-state solution) means there is no future, no role in government, and no role in security for Hamas."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement recognizing Palestine as a state, saying, "Australia acknowledges the legitimate and longstanding aspirations of the Palestinian people." Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel also stated, "We support the two-state solution, which is the only path toward a just and lasting peace."
As a result, the number of UN member states recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state increased from 147 to 151 in a single day, out of 193 UN member states. Among G7 countries, Canada and the United Kingdom are the first to make such a declaration.
Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Palestinian Authority, stated, "We highly appreciate the United Kingdom's recognition of Palestine as an independent state," adding, "This is an important and essential step toward achieving a just and sustainable peace based on international legitimacy." Hamas also said in a statement, "This recognition guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people to their land and holy sites and marks significant progress toward establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital."
In contrast, Israel responded immediately with strong opposition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement, "Leaders who recognize Palestine are granting a huge reward to terrorism," declaring, "There will be no Palestinian state in the West Bank." Ahead of his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly and a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, Netanyahu added, "When I return from the United States, I will announce our response to attempts to establish a terrorist state in the heart of our country."
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's Minister of National Security, who is considered far-right, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the recognition of Palestine is "a reward for murderers," and announced he would submit a proposal to the cabinet for the annexation of Judea and Samaria (the occupied West Bank) as a countermeasure.
The Israeli Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which has been urging the government to negotiate a ceasefire, criticized Canada and others, saying, "They have unconditionally recognized the State of Palestine while turning a blind eye to the fact that Hamas is still holding 48 hostages."
On the 22nd, France, another G7 member, is expected to officially announce its recognition of the State of Palestine, and Malta, Luxembourg, and Belgium are also expected to join during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. While the recognition of Palestine is largely symbolic, these countries hope it will put pressure on Israel, which continues its intense war in Gaza despite international calls to stop. In contrast, the Trump administration, which has clearly opposed Palestinian statehood and supported Israel, is expected to respond negatively once again.
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