UK, Portugal, and Australia Recognise Palestinian State Ahead of UN Assembly – UK, Portugal, and Australia Recognise Palestinian State Ahead of UN Assembly – Tekedia Forum

The UK and Portugal to Recognise Palestinian State Ahead of UN General Assembly

In a move with significant diplomatic weight, both the United Kingdom and Portugal will officially recognise a Palestinian state on Sunday, joining a growing wave of Western nations preparing to do the same ahead of this week’s United Nations General Assembly. The announcements mark a major shift in the global political landscape, as some of Israel’s closest allies begin to formalise support for Palestinian statehood despite fierce opposition from the United States and Israel.

UK Recognition Amid Opposition

The United Kingdom’s recognition of a Palestinian state is expected to be announced later Sunday by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, following months of debate within the government. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who served as foreign secretary until recently, confirmed that the UK had judged Israel had not met conditions it set regarding the ongoing war in Gaza.

Despite lobbying from Washington, Britain’s decision underscores the growing frustration with Israel’s military actions and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Starmer reportedly discussed the issue with US President Donald Trump during his recent visit to London but insisted that recognition was unavoidable.

“The situation in Gaza is intolerable,” Starmer said, adding that the recognition of Palestine had to be analysed as part of a wider peace effort.

Portugal’s “Historic Step”

Portugal also confirmed that it would recognise the Palestinian state, with the formal announcement scheduled for 9:15pm CET by Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel. The declaration comes with the full backing of Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who said the decision was consistent with Portugal’s longstanding principles on Middle East policy.

“Portugal has always upheld this principle, under every president and with every government,” Rebelo de Sousa told broadcaster RTP upon arriving in New York for the UN High-Level Conference.

The Palestinian Authority immediately welcomed Portugal’s announcement. The Palestinian ambassador to Portugal hailed the decision as a “courageous and historic step” that would support global peace efforts and reward international attempts to end the violence.

Australia Joins the Momentum

In addition to the UK and Portugal, Australia is also expected to announce recognition of a Palestinian state on Sunday, according to reports in The Times of Israel. A Trump administration source said Washington had tried to dissuade Canberra, arguing that recognition “wouldn’t help,” but Australian officials justified the move with what they described as “clear internal considerations.”

This makes Australia the third Western country to declare recognition on the same day, signalling a coordinated effort to amplify pressure on Israel ahead of the UN gathering.

France and Canada Expected Next

The momentum does not stop there. France is set to become the first G7 nation to formally recognise a Palestinian state, with President Emmanuel Macron confirming his intentions in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

“Given the extreme urgency of the situation in Gaza and across the Palestinian territories, I reiterated to President Abbas my intention to recognise the State of Palestine on Monday in New York,” Macron wrote.

He added that the move was part of “a comprehensive peace plan for the region, aimed at meeting the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians for security and peace.”

Canada, Luxembourg, Malta, and Belgium are also expected to follow suit. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot went further, declaring that Belgium will recognise Palestine during the UN General Assembly session while imposing 12 sanctions against Israel.

“Palestine will be recognised by Belgium during the UN session,” Prévot announced. “Firm sanctions are being imposed on the Israeli government in response to the humanitarian tragedy in Palestine.”

The United States Pushes Back

The recognition moves have set up a stark divide with the United States. President Donald Trump has strongly opposed such unilateral recognition, insisting that it undermines the peace process and could embolden Hamas.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Israel might retaliate “reciprocally,” including annexing parts of the West Bank, if countries proceed with recognition.

Trump himself has emphasised that his priority remains the release of hostages still held by Hamas. “I disagree with Prime Minister Starmer on that point,” Trump said during his London visit, making clear Washington’s firm stance against recognition.

Israel’s Response

Israel has rejected the recognition moves, with officials warning that they constitute “a reward to Hamas.” Diplomatic sources confirmed that Israel has been lobbying consular posts in Europe and elsewhere to push back against the announcements.

For Israel, the recognition of Palestinian statehood by long-time allies like Britain and France is seen as a diplomatic blow. Both countries are permanent members of the UN Security Council and members of the G7, giving their decisions particular symbolic weight.

A Shift in Global Dynamics

More than 140 countries have already recognised the State of Palestine, but the decisions by major Western powers mark a potential turning point. Until now, the recognition had largely come from countries in the Global South and non-aligned states. With the UK, Portugal, Australia, France, and others joining, the issue is moving into the heart of the Western alliance.

For Palestinians, this is a long-awaited moment of legitimacy. For Israel and its allies, it represents a growing isolation in the international arena.

Looking Forward

As the UN General Assembly convenes in New York this week, all eyes will be on how many more nations step forward to formally recognise Palestine. With France poised to become the first G7 nation to do so, and Canada, Belgium, and Luxembourg preparing announcements of their own, the diplomatic momentum appears unstoppable.

For Palestinians, the recognition marks a long-sought validation of their statehood ambitions, while for Israel it signals mounting international pressure. The coming days could prove pivotal, not only in shaping the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but also in redefining how the international community approaches peace in the Middle East.

Final Thoughts

The decision by the UK, Portugal, and Australia to recognise a Palestinian state represents more than symbolic diplomacy — it is a clear signal that Western patience with the status quo has run out. With France, Belgium, and others preparing to follow, the issue is gaining traction at the highest levels of international politics.

While the United States and Israel remain opposed, the growing consensus among global powers suggests that recognition of Palestinian statehood is moving from aspiration to political reality. Whether this shift leads to renewed dialogue or deeper divisions, it has already altered the diplomatic map of the Middle East and reshaped the conversation around peace.

Conclusion

The coordinated recognition of Palestinian statehood by the UK, Portugal, and Australia — with France, Canada, and others poised to follow — represents a seismic shift in global diplomacy. Despite warnings from Washington and Tel Aviv, the momentum is undeniable. Western governments are increasingly willing to take bold steps, citing the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need to push for a lasting peace.

As the UN General Assembly begins, the debate over Palestine will no longer be confined to symbolic resolutions. With powerful nations now formally recognising its statehood, the Palestinian cause has entered a new chapter. Whether this leads to meaningful peace negotiations or deepens divides remains uncertain — but the political landscape has already changed.

Meta Description:
The UK, Portugal, and Australia have announced recognition of a Palestinian state, joining over 140 countries. France, Belgium, and Canada are expected to follow at the UN General Assembly.

Uploaded files: