A Diplomatic Earthquake: Palestinian state recognition by Western Nations
- Sep 22, 2025
- 2 min read
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Four major Western nationsâBritain, Canada, Australia, and Portugalâhave taken the historic step of formally recognising a Palestinian state. This move, a significant departure for nations that have traditionally been strong allies of Israel, is a clear signal of growing frustration with the war in Gaza. It aligns them with more than 140 other countries that already support the Palestinians' aspiration for an independent homeland.
The decision is intended to breathe new life into the long-stalled two-state solution. According to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the purpose is to "revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis." The move is a direct response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and what many see as the international community's inability to rein in the conflict's devastating toll on the civilian population.
The decision was immediately met with a furious response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He condemned the move as a "huge reward to terrorism," arguing that it emboldens Hamas after its 2023 attack on Israel. The move also goes against the clear stance of Israel's closest ally, the United States. This diplomatic friction raises a critical question: will this historic shift by key Western nations pressure Israel to change its approach to the conflict, or will it simply deepen the diplomatic divide?
