The Middle East crisis has entered a dramatic new phase as several world leaders move to recognise a Palestinian state, challenging decades of diplomatic norms and drawing sharp opposition from Israel. As UK, Canada, Australia, and France announce their decisions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to fight the recognition, warning it threatens Israel’s very survival.
Netanyahu vows to oppose Palestinian recognition
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed to oppose international efforts to recognise a Palestinian state, warning it would threaten Israel’s survival. His comments came as France, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Belgium prepared to announce recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations next week. “We will also need to fight, both at the UN and in all other arenas, against the false propaganda directed at us and against calls for a Palestinian state, which would endanger our existence and serve as absurd reward for terrorism,” Netanyahu told his cabinet. He added that Israel’s recent military victories in Lebanon against Hezbollah opened possibilities for peace with Lebanon and Syria. “We are conducting talks with the Syrians — there is some progress, but it is still a long way off.”
‘One-sided declaration,’ says Israel’s foreign ministry
Israel’s foreign ministry issued a sharp response, saying it “categorically rejects the one-sided declaration of recognition of a Palestinian state made by the United Kingdom and some other countries.” It warned that such recognition “does not promote peace, further destabilises the region and undermines chances of achieving a peaceful solution in the future.” The ministry added that Israel will not accept “any detached and imaginary text that attempts to force it to accept indefensible borders.”Israel’s security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticised the moves by Britain, Canada, and Australia, calling their recognition of a Palestinian state a reward for “murderers,” reports news agency Reuters.
UK formally recognises Palestine
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain formally recognises a State of Palestine, marking a historic shift in decades of policy. “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,” Starmer said on X. He emphasised that Hamas would have no role in governance. “Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision,” he said. Starmer called for a ceasefire in Gaza and demanded the release of hostages taken in Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack.
Canada, Australia follow suit
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on X that Canada recognises a Palestinian state, joining the UK and Australia. The move comes despite opposition from the US and aims to pave the way for a two-state solution. “We are working to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution, to not allow the facts on the ground, deaths on the ground, the settlements on the ground, the expropriations on the ground, to get to such an extent that this is not possible,” Carney said.
Israel-Hezbollah-Syria talks
Netanyahu said Israel’s war with Hezbollah has created opportunities for peace with Lebanon and Syria. Israel has maintained troops in southern Lebanon since a November ceasefire and continues to strike Hezbollah targets. Talks with Syria are ongoing, with Israel seeking a demilitarised zone, while Damascus has withdrawn heavy weapons from contested areas.
Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza
Israeli strikes killed at least 34 people in Gaza City overnight, including children, according to health officials. Late-night strikes hit residential blocks and hospitals. Israeli forces have urged civilians to move south, opening humanitarian corridors. Aid groups warn forced evacuations worsen the crisis, while families of hostages demand a ceasefire.
Macron to recognise Palestine
French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state, a move to be formalised at a UN conference in New York. Macron defended the decision as a way to isolate Hamas and said it is part of a broader roadmap involving Saudi Arabia. Nine other countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, and the UK, are expected to follow.
Gaza casualties continue to rise
Israeli strikes killed 91 Palestinians in Gaza in a single day, targeting residential areas, tents, and evacuation routes. Victims included relatives of Gaza’s largest hospital director. Many displaced civilians are living in harsh conditions, without access to water, electricity, or healthcare, according to aid agencies and Al Jazeera reporting.
Hamas releases ‘farewell picture’ of hostages
Hamas released images of 48 Israeli hostages in Gaza, calling it a “farewell picture” as Israeli assaults intensify. Israeli authorities estimate around 20 captives remain alive. Families and activists continue to demand a ceasefire and the safe return of hostages amid escalating violence.
Human toll of conflict
Since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 invasion of Israel, more than 65,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry. Around 166,000 have been injured, 90 per cent of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and famine conditions are reported in Gaza City. The ongoing conflict continues to drive international diplomatic efforts and condemnation.
