According to news agencies, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada has officially recognised Palestine as a sovereign state.

“Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also confirmed the UK’s formal recognition of Palestinian statehood.

“Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly – as prime minister of this great country – that the United Kingdom formally recognises the state of Palestine,” Starmer said.

Both leaders emphasised that their decisions are aimed at supporting long-term peace efforts in the region.

Australia has followed Canada’s decision to recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese writes.

He says it is part of a joint effort alongside Canada and Britain and will form “an international effort for a two-state solution”.