Portugal, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia on Sunday joined more than 150 countries worldwide in formally recognising a Palestinian state, a diplomatic breakthrough that comes just days before the United Nations General Assembly convenes in New York.

The announcements, made within hours of one another, marked the first time multiple Western powers and longstanding Israeli allies coordinated their recognition of Palestine.

Analysts say the move reflects mounting frustration over Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the decision as a “step to revive hope,” urging renewed commitment to a two-state solution. “We must channel our efforts, united together in hope, behind the peaceful future we want to see: the release of hostages, an end to the violence, and a shift back towards two states as the only path to peace.”

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed this vision, adding that recognition “empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence.”

Carney said the Palestinian Authority had pledged reforms, elections in 2026, and steps toward demilitarisation. “This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it a reward for it,” he stressed.

Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel described the recognition as “the realisation of a fundamental and constant line of Portuguese foreign policy.”

The wave of recognitions highlights Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation. France, another permanent Security Council member, is expected to announce its own recognition during the UN General Assembly.

Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands have already signaled strong support, while several European states have threatened cultural and economic boycotts against Israel.

Israeli leaders reacted with outrage. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the recognitions as a “prize for Hamas,” vowing that a Palestinian state “will not happen.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir went further, pledging to push for annexation of the occupied West Bank at the next cabinet meeting.

Despite the symbolic weight of recognition, Palestine remains short of full UN membership, which requires Security Council approval. The United States has repeatedly blocked such efforts, insisting that recognition in wartime would undermine peace and reward Hamas.

Still, momentum appears to be shifting. Of the 193 UN member states, 147 now recognise Palestine. With Western powers joining that list, pressure is mounting on Washington and Israel to confront a changing international consensus.

“Israel is in a sort of isolation,” Netanyahu admitted last week, acknowledging that his government may have to reorient its economy and foreign policy to withstand the growing wave of opposition.