Canada and Australia follows UK in recognizing Palestine; decision made ahead of UN General Assembly

LONDON: Canada, Australia and the UK have recognized Palestine as an independent state as Israel intensifies its offensive in Gaza, ignoring international warnings. With this, Canada has become the first G7 country to recognize Palestine. At the same time, the three countries have made it clear that Hamas should have no participation in the Palestinian state and that the hostages in Gaza should be released immediately. They have asked Israel to lift the restrictions on the Gaza border to allow humanitarian aid to reach it.

European countries such as Ireland, Norway, and Spain have already recognized Palestine. Countries such as France, Portugal, and Luxembourg will recognize it in the coming days. Hamas and the Palestinian Authority welcomed the move. Palestine has been recognized by 150 countries out of 193 members of the UN

Israel accused that the recognition is nothing but a reward for the jihadist Hamas. Meanwhile, the situation is dire, including in Gaza City, where Israel continues its ground offensive. Today alone, 55 people were killed throughout Gaza. Of these, 37 people were killed in Gaza City alone. The total death toll has exceeded 65,280.

Hamas releases pictures of hostages

Hamas has released pictures of the 47 Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza. The pictures were released with the message "farewell images". This indicates that the lives of the hostages are in danger. Hamas warned that they are in the outskirts of Gaza City and that they may be killed during the Israeli attack. Meanwhile, intelligence reports indicate that only about 20 hostages are currently alive. Thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, demanding the return of the hostages as soon as possible.

More troops arrive

• More Israeli troops arrive in Gaza City where the attack intensified
• Widespread bombing in the Sabra area. Many trapped under the rubble
• Airstrike on the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza kills 7 people, including four children
• Two rockets fired from northern Gaza targeting Israel were intercepted
• Israeli drone attack on Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon kills 5, including three children

In the face of the growing horrors in the Middle East we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution.

- Keir Starmer, Prime Minister, UK

Canada offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.

- Mark Carney, Prime Minister, Canada