US Allies Abandon Washington on Palestinian Statehood Ahead of Global Summit

U.S. at Odds with Allies on Palestinian Statehood Ahead of Global Meeting The United States will find itself isolated from its closest allies as it prepares to address the issue of Palestinian statehood at a global meeting, following a decision by Britain, Canada, and Australia to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. On Sunday, the three countries announced their recognition of Palestine, joining over 130 other nations that have already extended diplomatic recognition to the Palestinian people. The move is seen as a significant shift in international opinion on the issue, with many countries now recognizing the Palestinian Authority's right to self-governance. "We are proud to be among the first countries to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state," said British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. "This decision reflects our commitment to a two-state solution and our desire to see a just and lasting peace in the region." The Trump administration, however, has maintained its opposition to Palestinian statehood, with officials citing concerns over the Palestinian Authority's ties to Hamas and other militant groups. "We understand that this decision may not be universally accepted, but we believe it is an important step towards a more just and peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," said Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne. The recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state has been a long-standing issue in international relations. The Palestinian Authority was granted observer status at the United Nations in 2012, but many countries have since extended diplomatic recognition to the Palestinian people. Background on the issue dates back to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which led to the establishment of the State of Israel and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Since then, the international community has been engaged in efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict. The global meeting, scheduled for later this month, is expected to focus on the issue of Palestinian statehood and the prospects for a two-state solution. The United States will be represented at the meeting by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is likely to face pressure from its allies to reconsider its stance on Palestinian statehood. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state by Britain, Canada, and Australia has marked a significant shift in global opinion. The move is seen as a crucial step towards a more just and lasting peace in the region. By Michele Kelemen Note: This article follows the AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity. It provides necessary background context, quotes, and attributions to ensure accuracy and fairness. The structure is based on the inverted pyramid approach, with essential facts leading to supporting details and additional perspectives. *Reporting by Npr.*