LONDON/TORONTO ¨C Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal all recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday in a move borne out of frustration over the war in the Gaza Strip and intended to promote a two-state solution, prompting a furious response from Israel. The decision by four nations from the West, which has traditionally allied with Israel, aligned them with more than 140 other countries also backing Palestinians¡¯ aspiration to forge an independent homeland from the occupied territories.
Britain¡¯s decision carried particular symbolism given its major role in Israel¡¯s creation as a modern nation in the aftermath of World War II.
¡°Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine,¡± said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
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