September 21, 2025 In a landmark diplomatic shift, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have formally recognized Palestine as an independent state, joining a growing chorus of nations advocating for a two-state solution amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. This coordinated announcement, made on September 21, 2025, has drawn sharp rebuke from Israel, which views the move as a “reward for terrorism,” while Palestinian leaders hail it as a step toward justice and accountability for alleged war crimes. The recognitions, timed ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, could empower domestic courts in these countries to prosecute citizens serving in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for war crimes, marking a potential blow to Israel’s international standing.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision during a speech, emphasizing that recognition is a “right, not a reward,” and aligns with Britain’s long-term support for a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel. Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese framed the move as essential for peace, citing dissatisfaction with Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Portugal joined the trio shortly after, bringing the total number of recognizing states to over 150, including recent additions like France, Malta, Luxembourg, and Belgium. This wave of recognitions follows a 2024 UN General Assembly resolution urging member states to recognize Palestine by September 2025, amid ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into alleged Israeli war crimes.
The implications for Israeli forces are profound. With recognition, courts in the UK, Canada, and Australia may now pursue legal actions against their nationals involved in IDF operations, particularly those accused of violations in Gaza. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented extensive allegations of war crimes, including indiscriminate bombings and collective punishment, which could now face scrutiny under domestic laws prohibiting complicity in international crimes. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemned the decisions as “shameful,” arguing they undermine direct negotiations and embolden groups like Hamas. In response, some Israelis have called for boycotts of travel to these countries, potentially impacting tourism ties.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognitions, stating they affirm Palestine’s right to self-determination and pressure Israel to end its occupation. However, critics argue the moves are symbolic, as they recognize a fragmented Palestine—with Gaza under blockade and the West Bank riddled with settlements—without dismantling the occupation. Arab leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia and Jordan, praised the shift, seeing it as momentum for broader peace efforts.
Journalist and former soldier Adil Raja, in recent posts on X, has spotlighted this development as a significant setback for Israel, enabling prosecutions of war crimes and highlighting global isolation. Raja’s commentary underscores the irony of Western nations recognizing Palestine after decades of delay, potentially shifting the balance in international justice forums.
UK, Canada and Australia recognises #Palestine as an independent state
— Adil Raja (@soldierspeaks) September 21, 2025
https://t.co/NIeRtEcxTz
This recognition wave isolates the United States, which remains opposed, further straining transatlantic alliances. As the UNGA convenes, experts predict more nations may follow, accelerating calls for accountability and a genuine two-state resolution. Yet, without enforcement mechanisms, the path to peace remains fraught, with ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon underscoring the urgency.By recognizing Palestinian statehood, the UK, Canada, and Australia would enable their domestic courts to more effectively pursue war crimes charges against citizens fighting with the Israeli Defence Forces.
— Adil Raja (@soldierspeaks) September 21, 2025
