Australia, the UK and Canada have formally recognised a Palestinian state, prompting an angry response from Israel, which ruled out the prospect.

The coordinated initiative from the three Commonwealth nations and longtime allies on Sunday reflects growing outrage at Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza and the steps taken by the Israeli government to thwart efforts to create a Palestinian state, including by the continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in his statement that the three announcements were “part of a coordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has faced pressure to take a harder line on Israel within his own governing Labour Party over the deteriorating situation in Gaza, said the UK’s move is intended “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis.”

He insisted it wasn’t a reward for Hamas, which was behind the attack on October 7, 2023, in which the militants killed some 1200 people and abducted 251 others.

The moves by the three countries prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to say that the establishment of a Palestinian state “will not happen” while Hamas urged the international community to isolate Israel.

Later on Sunday, Portugal said it was recognising a Palestinian state as well.

The British announcement was widely anticipated after Starmer said in July that the UK would recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, allowed the United Nations to bring in aid and took other steps toward long-term peace.

More countries are expected to join the list recognising a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly this week, including France, which, like the UK, is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council.

Netanyahu blasted Australia, Britain and France for proffering a “prize” to Hamas.

“It will not happen,” he said. “A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.”

Netanyahu, who is set to give a speech to the General Assembly on Friday before heading to see US President Donald Trump at the White House, said he would announce Israel’s response after the trip.

Netanyahu has threatened to take unilateral steps, including the possibility of annexing parts of the West Bank, in response to world leaders’ recognition of a Palestinian state.

Such a move would clear the way for Israel to deepen its control over the territory – and escalate tensions with the international community.

Hamas hailed the decision, calling it a “rightful outcome of our people’s struggle, steadfastness, and sacrifices on the path to liberation and return.” The Islamic militant group, which is sworn to Israel’s destruction, called on the world to isolate Israel.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose Palestinian Authority exercises limited autonomy in towns and cities in the West Bank, said the UK announcement is an important step toward achieving a “just and lasting peace in the region based on the two-state solution,” the official Palestinian news agency Wafa said.