Canada and Australia have joined the United Kingdom in formally recognising Palestinian statehood, even as Israel plans to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank and intensifies its war on Gaza.

In a statement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the recognition of 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”.

Carney added that the Israeli government was working “methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established”.

“Recognising the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas. This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it,” Carney sa

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