The governments of the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia announced Sunday that they will symbolically recognize a Palestinian state despite vociferous opposition from the United States and Israel.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday confirmed the widely anticipated announcement, saying the move is intended “to revive hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis.”
“Let’s be frank. Hamas is a brutal terror organization. Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision,” Starmer said Sunday. “So we are clear, this solution is not a reward for Hamas, because it means Hamas can have no future, no role in government, no role in security.”
Though the move is largely symbolic, it is a historic moment as the U.K. arguably laid the groundwork for the creation of the Israeli state when it was in control of what was then known as Palestine in 1917.
More than 140 countries have already taken that step and more are expected to do so at the U.N. General Assembly this week, including France.
The U.K.’s recognition of a Palestinian state comes just days after a state visit from U.S. President Trump, during which he voiced his disapproval of the plan.
“I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score,” Mr. Trump said.
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