BIG setback for Netanyahu as major Western allies recognize Palestine, call for Hamas to…, Israel terms it…

Israel-Gaza war: In a major setback for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, three of his major Western allies– Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom– recognized Palestine as an independent, sovereign country, while calling for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and asserting that the Hamas armed group must immediately cease its existence.

Why Israel’s Western allies recognized Palestine?

According to reports, the recognition of the Palestinian state was a coordinated effort by the three countries, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating that the move is aimed ‘to revive the hope of peace’, and “not a reward for Hamas.”

Calling it a “historic decision”, Starmer said the Israeli escalation in Gaza, settlement building in the West Bank, and Hamas actions are snuffing out hope for a two-state solution. “Recognising Palestine is a historic decision, firmly grounded in the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination, which the government committed to as part of its manifesto. he said.

Similarly, Australia said recognizing Palestinian statehood is a recognition of the aspirations of Palestinians to have a state of their own.

“Australia formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine. In doing so, Australia recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own,” a statement issued by the Australian Prime Minister’s Office said.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada has been a long-time supporter of a two-state solution. “Since 1947, it has been the policy of every Canadian government to support a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East. This envisioned the creation of a sovereign, democratic, and viable State of Palestine building its future in peace and security alongside the State of Israel,” Carney said.

What did Israel say?

Meanwhile, reacting to the development, Israel has called the move “extremely damaging” for the Jewish state, while Hostages and Missing Families Forum condemned the three countries for their “unconditional recognition of a Palestinian state while turning a blind eye to the fact that 48 hostages remain in Hamas captivity.”

“As families who deeply want peace in the region, we believe that any discussion about recognizing a Palestinian state must be contingent upon the immediate release of all hostages,” it said, calling it a “moral and humanitarian imperative” for other nations to “act responsibly and ensure that any ‘day after’ discussions occur only after our loved ones are brought home,” according to The Times of Israel.

Israeli Democrats’ chairman Yair Golan claimed that recognizing a Palestinian state is “destructive” and “extremely damaging” to Israel.

The development comes ahead of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) summit in New York on Monday, where numerous countries are expected to formally recognize Palestinian statehood.

(With inputs from agencies)