Overview

• The United Kingdom and Canada became the first G7 governments to grant recognition, with Australia announcing the same step.
• The announcements were made on September 21 following Israel’s mid-September ground operation in Gaza City and rising civilian casualties.
• Keir Starmer said the aim is to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution, while Canadian Prime Minister Karney pledged cooperation toward a peaceful future.
• Reuters reported Portugal planned recognition the same day and that France was expected to follow, while the United States opposed and Japan and Germany declined.
• About 150 countries had already recognized Palestinian statehood before these moves.