The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia formally recognized the State of Palestine on Sunday, with Portugal expected to follow suit later in the day. This move comes despite intense pressure from the United States and Israel, and just days before the United Nations General Assembly convenes in New York, with participation from over 140 heads of state and government. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that his government had concluded the situation in Palestine had deteriorated significantly. He warned that hope for a two-state solution was fading but emphasized, "we cannot allow that light to be extinguished." Starmer also underscored that Hamas must not have any role in the future administration or security of a Palestinian state. In Ottawa, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada's recognition of Palestine, pledging "a partnership in building a peaceful and promising future for both Palestine and Israel." Carney criticized the current Israeli government for systematically undermining the prospects of a Palestinian state. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country's recognition, alongside Canada and the UK, was aimed at reviving momentum for a two-state solution, beginning with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. Albanese also emphasized that Hamas should not play a role in any future Palestinian state. Portugal's Foreign Ministry confirmed that Lisbon would take the same step, describing recent developments in the conflict as "extremely worrying" from both humanitarian and political perspectives, particularly amid repeated signals of possible annexation of Palestinian land. Palestinian Foreign Minister Farsin Shaheen welcomed the UK's recognition, calling it "a courageous step in a very difficult time." She expressed hope that Britain's influence would encourage other countries to follow suit, adding that the decision reflects a commitment to Palestinian rights, international law, and the future of both Palestinians and Israelis. At a summit scheduled for Monday in Paris, hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, ten more countries are expected to announce official recognition of Palestine. To date, 149 of the United Nations' 193 member states have recognized Palestine, which was first declared by the late Yasser Arafat in Algiers in 1988. Meanwhile, in Gaza, the Health Ministry reported 75 deaths and 304 injuries over the past 24 hours, bringing the total since fighting resumed on March 18 to 12,724 killed and 54,534 wounded. Since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, more than 65,000 people have been killed and 166,000 injured. Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity with Palestinians during Sunday's Angelus prayer at St. Peter's Square, stating, "there is no future built on violence, forced exile, and revenge," and called for peace as Israel intensifies its offensive in the devastated and besieged territory. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported that 1.9 million people have been forcibly displaced within Gaza, renewing its call for an immediate ceasefire. The agency estimated the cost of displacement—from Gaza City in the north to the south—at $3,180 per family, with shelters overwhelmed by the influx. On the Israeli side, ten soldiers were injured Sunday morning when a military jeep overturned near Gaza. Two were airlifted to a hospital in Jerusalem, while eight others were transported by ambulance. In Cairo, Egypt's State Information Service issued a statement emphasizing that the Egyptian military presence in Sinai is focused on securing borders in coordination with parties to the peace treaty with Israel. The statement reaffirmed Egypt's opposition to expanding the military operation in Gaza or displacing Palestinians and reiterated its support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital. The latest wave of recognition for Palestine adds diplomatic pressure on Israel and sets the stage for a wider political battle at the United Nations, even as the war in Gaza continues to claim lives and deepen the humanitarian crisis.
