Britain, Canada and Australia all recognised a Palestinian state on Sunday in a move borne out of frustration over the Gaza war and intended to promote a two-state solution, but which is also bound to anger Israel and its main ally, the United States.

The three nations’ decision aligned them with about 140 other countries which also back the Palestinians’ aspiration to forge an independent homeland from the Israeli-occupied territories.

Britain’s decision carried particular symbolic weight given its major role in Israel’s creation as a modern nation in the aftermath of World War II.

“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X.

Other nations, including France, are expected to follow suit this week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s address on the Palestine State

“Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” Carney said in a statement.

“Recognising the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas. This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it,” Carney said.