LONDON — The United Kingdom, Canada and Australia on Sunday formally recognized the state of Palestine in a diplomatic move aimed at reviving momentum for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the decision was taken “in the face of the growing horror in the Middle East,” adding that recognition was necessary “to keep alive the possibility of peace and the two-state solution.”

He emphasized that peace depends on “a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state,” noting: “At the moment, we have neither.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the same day that Ottawa officially recognized Palestine, pledging “partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”

He said the move followed Canada’s long-standing support for Palestinian self-determination.

In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared that Canberra’s recognition “honors the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own,” framing the decision as part of a “co-ordinated international effort” alongside the UK and Canada.

The three announcements come as the UN General Assembly convenes this week in New York, with world leaders expected to debate pathways toward a settlement.

France, Luxembourg, and Malta have also signaled plans to formalize recognition of Palestine during the session.

The diplomatic shift comes against the backdrop of Israel’s devastating war in Gaza, which has killed more than 65,200 Palestinians, most of them women and children, since October 2023, according to local health authorities. — Agencies