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France: A Leading European Voice
In July 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron publicly called on France and the UK to recognize the State of Palestine, framing it as both “not a taboo” and a moral and political imperative.
France will formally extend recognition during the 80th UN General Assembly in September 2025, a move echoing its growing alignment with Arab nations and a push for renewed momentum toward a two-state solution.
The U.S. and Israel were quick to condemn the decision, deeming it reckless and serving Hamas’s propaganda.
United Kingdom: Conditional Recognition with Red Lines
On 29 July 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the country would recognize Palestinian statehood in September—unless Israel takes meaningful steps to halt annexation, end the violence, and recommit to a two-state path.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed the sentiment. However, the announcement triggered controversy when Hamas praised the decision as “one of the fruits of October 7”, prompting backlash from Labour MPs and families of hostages who felt recognition should wait until they were all freed.
Australia: Aligning with Global Momentum—With ‘No Hamas’ Terms
On 11 August 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared that Australia will recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.
But this recognition comes with strings attached: the Palestinian Authority must commit to excluding Hamas from governance, demilitarizing Gaza, hold democratic elections, ban incentives such as “pay for slay”, and affirm Israel’s right to exist.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong helped frame this as part of a broader push for peace and a two-state solution. Australia joined France, Britain, and Canada in offering recognition, aiming to bolster international diplomatic momentum and address Israel’s settlements and violations of international law.
However, the move didn’t escape criticism. Opponents argued the recognition effectively rewards Hamas’s violence or is at least premature.
The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council warned that such a move, even with conditions, risks validating terrorism and undermining efforts to isolate Hamas—advocating instead for recognition only after meaningful PA reform and disarmament.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups felt the decision lacked teeth unless paired with sanctions on Israel.
A Unified Yet Conditional Approach
Despite differing domestic contexts, all three countries now signal conditional recognition of a Palestinian state, each prohibiting Hamas’s involvement:
France: Leading the charge with formal recognition at the UN.
UK: Recognition tied to Israeli policy shifts, ceasefire, and peace reinforcement.
Australia: Recognition contingent on Palestinian Authority commitments excluding Hamas, demilitarization, and democratic reform.
This coordinated strategy underscores a nuanced attempt to revitalize two-state diplomacy—adding international legitimacy to Palestinian aspirations while delegitimizing militant influence.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like Reuters,
The Guardian,
Wikipedia,
The Times of Israel,
Daily Telegraph etc.) transparently.]
