The United States dismissed the recent recognition of Palestine by the UK, Australia, Canada, and Portugal as a “performative gesture,” reaffirming that its focus remains on diplomacy centered around Israel’s security and the release of hostages.
“Our priorities are clear: the release of the hostages, the security of Israel, and peace and prosperity for the region—possible only without Hamas,” a US State Department spokesperson told AFP on Monday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the move, calling it “an absurd reward for terrorism.” He vowed to resist pressure at the UN and in other forums against efforts to establish a Palestinian state.
In contrast, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal framed their recognition as a step toward reviving the two-state solution. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer paired recognition with calls for a Gaza ceasefire and exclusion of Hamas from governance. Canadian PM Mark Carney argued it was necessary to preserve the viability of two states, while Portugal’s foreign minister Paulo Rangel called it a “consistent and widely supported” policy ahead of the UN General Assembly.
The recognition comes amid the Gaza war’s staggering toll: over 65,000 Palestinians killed, about 166,000 wounded, and nearly 90% of the population displaced since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead. Gaza now faces famine conditions, intensifying global concern and diplomatic divides.
