UK, Australia, Canada establish fund to aid left-wing Israeli groups pushing two-state solution

UK, Canada and Australia establish fund that will back groups in Israel and the Palestinian Authority promoting the two-state solution.

By World Israel News Staff

The United Kingdom, Australia and Canada have launched a new International Peace Fund for Israelis and Palestinians, saying the initiative is intended to support grassroots efforts toward a negotiated two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The three countries announced the fund after talks among UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand at Chevening. Each country is providing 1 million pounds in seed funding over three years, with the fund expected to seek additional donors after it begins operating.

According to the UK Foreign Office, the fund will support peacebuilding projects involving Israeli and Palestinian civil society groups, with an emphasis on youth groups, women and local organizations working to maintain dialogue between communities.

The fund will invest in both existing programs and new initiatives, including local community projects and dialogue programs for future leaders.

“Peace, justice and security in the Middle East depend on a two-state solution, and it is why our countries have recognized the State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel,” Cooper said.

She said diplomatic efforts alone were not sufficient after years of conflict.

“But too often Middle East peace is seen as an issue only of international diplomacy. When generations of Israelis and Palestinians have grown up with cycles of conflict and violence, we also need to support the local community organizations who are building dialogue, peace and trust across communities,” Cooper said.

“That is why the UK is launching the International Peace Fund with Australia and Canada, to support those working tirelessly to foster understanding between Israeli and Palestinian communities and create the conditions for the two states to live side by side in peace,” she added.

In a joint statement, the three foreign ministers said they were establishing the fund “at a moment of acute crisis in Israel and Palestine.”

“The last three years have exacted a devastating and dehumanizing toll on civilians and deepened mistrust and division between communities,” the statement said. “At the same time, civil society has faced increasing restrictions and unprecedented pressure.”

The ministers said the fund would back programs that “advance a two-state solution, help reduce division, strengthen civil society, and support dialogue and cooperation within and between Israeli and Palestinian communities, building the foundations for peace.”

They also said it would help “strengthen the voices of moderates and marginalise the extremists, including Hamas.”

The three ministers also said Hamas must be disarmed, disempowered and dismantled under that plan, and that it should have no role in the future governance of a Palestinian state or pose a future security threat to Israel.

The UK, Australia and Canada recognized unilateral Palestinian statehood in 2025 while saying they remained committed to Israel’s security and to a negotiated settlement.