Washington Attacks Allies' Recognition of Palestine: "A Stunt"

In a historic and unprecedented move, four major countries _namely Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal_ announced their official recognition of the State of Palestine, in a coordinated diplomatic move on the eve of an anticipated conference on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, which is expected to see other countries join in recognition.

In an immediate reaction, the United States described this recognition as "a stunt," considering that it does not contribute to achieving real peace. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated:

"Our focus remains on serious diplomacy, not on performative gestures. Our priorities are clear: the release of hostages, Israel's security, and achieving peace and prosperity in the region, which cannot be realized in the presence of Hamas."

In a simultaneous announcement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed his country's recognition of the State of Palestine, considering the step a means to "revive hope for peace for Palestinians and Israelis, and to advance the two-state solution," emphasizing that Hamas is a "terrorist organization" that cannot have any role in Palestine's future.

He also vowed to impose sanctions on individuals linked to the movement.

Concurrently, the Prime Ministers of Canada and Australia _Mark Carney and Anthony Albanese_ announced similar decisions, with a clear emphasis that Hamas should have no political role in the future Palestinian state.

Meanwhile, Portugal's Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel confirmed that Lisbon's recognition comes as part of its full support for the two-state solution as the "only way to achieve lasting peace," stressing that Hamas must be excluded from control in Gaza or any other area, and called for the release of hostages.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry welcomed the series of new recognitions, describing them as "courageous decisions." Farzin Agabkian stated:

"Today is a historic day for the Palestinian people. We appreciate Saudi Arabia's significant role in these successive recognitions of the State of Palestine, and Britain's recognition has a special impact and strengthens our legal position and sends a strong message to Israel."

In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harshly criticized these steps, considering the recognition of the State of Palestine by Washington's allies as "a major reward for terrorism," adding in a statement:

"A Palestinian state will not be established .. that will not happen."

With these new four recognitions, the number of countries that officially recognize the State of Palestine rises to 154 out of 193 UN member states, in a diplomatic development considered one of the most significant milestones of international support for the Palestinian cause in recent decades.

More diplomatic moves are expected in the coming days, especially with the upcoming international conference sponsored by Riyadh and Paris, which may see new countries joining the list of those recognizing Palestine.

A new voice in the world is forming, and Palestine is getting closer to full presence on the map of international politics ... could this be the beginning of a new era?