US Congress Members Warn Democratic Leaders Against Recognising Palestinian State

The letter comes as Australia, Canada, and the UK move to recognise Palestinian statehood.

The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles during an Iranian attack over Tel Aviv, Israel, on June 15, 2025. Leo Correa/AP

U.S. Republican members of Congress have issued a warning against a decision by the leaders of Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom to recognise a Palestine state.

The letter, shared by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y) on Sept. 20 on X, described recognition as a “reckless policy” that undermines the peace process.

“It sets the dangerous precedent that violence, not diplomacy, is the most expedient means for terrorist groups like Hamas to achieve their political aims,” the letter states.

“Accordingly, we respectfully request that you reconsider your decision, especially as Hamas continues to hold Israeli citizens hostage will still refusing to agree to a ceasefire.”

Her message came ahead of the 80th session of the United Nation General Assembly in New York, which saw the three leaders: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledge to recognise Palestine.

The letter copied in U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and was signed by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.), Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), and Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.).

The letter also warned about consequences for recognising Palestine.

“Proceeding with recognition will put your country at odds with long-standing U.S. policy and interests and may invite punitive measures in response,” the statement said.

“The United States is committed to Israel’s security and to fostering a just and lasting peace in the Middle East through direct negotiations. Unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state jeopardises this process. It risks perpetuating tensions and rewarding terrorists entities that seek Israel’s destruction.”

Australia, Canada and United Kingdom Recognise Palestinian State

Despite the letter, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sept. 21, issued a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong to push through recognition.

“Effective today, Sunday the 21st of September 2025, the Commonwealth of Australia formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine,” the Australian Labor government said.

They said recognition was coordinated with Canada and the United Kingdom as part of an international effort to build momentum for a two-state solution.

“Starting with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages taken in the atrocities of October 7, 2023,” Wong and Albanese said as part of the process.

“The terrorist organisation Hamas must have no role in Palestine,” Wong and Albanese added.

On the same day, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also issued their statements.

“The UK has formally recognised Palestine to protect the viability of a two-state solution and create a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people,” the UK leader said.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Carney said this was no guarantee of peace.

“While Canada is under no illusions that this recognition is a panacea, this recognition is firmly aligned with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights reflected in the United Nations Charter, and the consistent policy of Canada for generations,” Carney said.

Australian Opposition

Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash said the Labor government should not be rewarding terrorists.

“It’s a simple principle. You don’t reward terrorists. Albanese just did,” she said in a post to X on Sept. 22.

The Australian Jewish Association (AJA) described the decision as a “major gift to terrorists and a reward for the Oct. 7 massacre.”

“Happy Rosh Hashana–from the Australian Labor Party. On the eve of the Jewish New Year, Labor has chosen to celebrate the October 7 massacre by recognising a non-existent ‘State of Palestine,’” the AJA said.