Palestinian Authority (PA) Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin on Sunday welcomed the growing list of nations formally recognizing a Palestinian state, calling the coordinated diplomatic push an “irreversible step” toward sovereignty and a lasting two-state solution.
Speaking to reporters in Ramallah, Shahin said the decisions by the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia to recognize Palestinian statehood mark a turning point in efforts to end decades of conflict.
“Now is the time. Tomorrow is a historic date we need to build on. It’s not the end,” Shahin declared.
“These recognitions preserve the two-state solution and bring Palestinian independence and sovereignty closer than ever.”
The announcements by London, Ottawa, and Canberra, made in a joint declaration earlier in the day, are intended to revive international momentum for peace talks even as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza.
The three nations urged renewed negotiations leading to a Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel.
Israel and the United States have criticized the coordinated move, arguing that recognition outside of direct negotiations undermines the peace process.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly vowed to reject any Palestinian state, while Washington maintains that recognition should follow a negotiated agreement between the two sides.
Despite the pushback, Palestinian leaders say the wave of recognitions represents growing global impatience with the status quo.
More countries, including France, are expected to issue similar declarations during this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Shahin urged the international community to maintain pressure on Israel to halt settlement expansion, ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and return to negotiations, insisting that the recent moves are “not just symbolic, but a foundation for real political change.”
Palestinian Authority hails wave of recognitions as a step toward independence