The Palestine recognition comes as Israel continues its ground offensive in Gaza|Matt Hrkac|CC BY 2.0
The UK, Canada, and Australia formally recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, sparking sharp criticism from US conservatives.
Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, Senators Lindsey Graham and Marco Rubio, and other Republican leaders called the move reckless, saying it rewards Hamas and undermines Israel.
House Foreign Affairs Chairman Brian Mast labeled it “empty virtue signaling”.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney defended the decision, emphasizing it promotes peace and a two-state solution without legitimizing terrorism.
French President Emmanuel Macron said recognition is a precondition for isolating Hamas and ending the war.
The recognition comes as Israel continues its ground offensive in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 65,000, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry.