Hamas applauded the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia on Sunday for their formal recognition of a Palestinian state, calling the move “an important step” and a reward for what it described as the Palestinian people’s resistance and struggle. In its statement, the organization praised the recognition as helping affirm Palestinians’ claims over land, holy sites, and their long‑held dream of independence, with Jerusalem as the capital.
The announcement came even as Israel and several Western critics warned that recognizing statehood now risks rewarding terror. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move, calling it a “prize to Hamas,” and rejected the idea of establishing a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River. Despite these objections, the three Commonwealth countries joined in a coordinated effort to support the two‑state solution, emphasizing that their recognition does not extend legitimacy to Hamas, which they noted must play no role in governance or security going forward.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer framed the recognition as part of reviving hopes for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He insisted that recognition is not a reward for Hamas, saying it is instead meant to reinvigorate diplomacy and pressure for peaceful resolution. Similar messaging came from the leaders of Canada and Australia, who described their actions as supporting aspirations for peace while demanding that hostages held by Hamas be released and that any future Palestinian state uphold democratic governance and disavow extremist groups.
Observers are divided on the impact. Supporters say the recognition shifts diplomatic momentum and offers symbolic support to Palestinians. Critics warn that without concrete steps — such as disarmament of Hamas, orderly governance by the Palestinian Authority, a credible peace framework, and the return of hostages — the gesture might deepen tensions and undermine Israel’s security. For many, the timing is especially controversial, coming during an ongoing war in Gaza and amid concerns over humanitarian suffering, hostage justice, and long‑standing territorial disputes.
