A growing number of countries are officially recognizing Palestine as an independent state, amid mounting international outrage over Israel’s genocide in Gaza. The UK has now formally recognized Palestine as a sovereign state.
Australia also made its formal recognition of Palestine, in a joint statement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Canada also followed suit, with a similar declaration from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office. France and Portugal are also among the list of some ten countries that were expected to take similar steps, ahead of the UN General Assembly. With these latest recognitions, the total number of countries that have recognized Palestine as a sovereign state will exceed 150. The recognitions, however, have been described by many as symbolic. Critics argue that such moves from countries that are financially and militarily backing Israel is a tactic to maintain their support while appearing to side with international public opinion.