OTTAWA, July 30 – Canada has announced plans to officially recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. Prime Minister Mark Carney shared the decision on Wednesday, highlighting worsening conditions in Gaza as a driving force behind the move. With humanitarian aid restricted and famine spreading, pressure is mounting on Israel from some of its closest allies.
Carney’s announcement came shortly after France confirmed its intent to recognize Palestinian statehood, and just a day after the United Kingdom indicated it would do the same if the conflict in Gaza did not de-escalate by the September summit. The Canadian prime minister emphasized that this recognition was not unconditional but instead tied to reforms within the Palestinian Authority, including a commitment to hold democratic elections in 2026 in which Hamas would not participate.
Shifting Diplomatic Winds
During a press conference, Carney described the situation in Gaza as dire, saying that the dream of a two-state solution was “disappearing before our eyes.” He added that Canada’s stance was shaped by both the ongoing humanitarian crisis and diplomatic assurances from the Palestinian Authority to restructure its leadership and exclude Hamas from future political processes.
This move represents a significant pivot for Canada, traditionally a staunch ally of Israel. The prime minister did not mince words, condemning the Israeli government for what he called its role in “allowing a humanitarian catastrophe to unfold.” These statements follow growing international frustration over Israel’s restrictions on essential supplies entering Gaza, where aid agencies have warned of mass starvation and escalating civilian suffering.
Meanwhile, tragic stories from Gaza continue to emerge. A father in Deir Al-Balah recounted how his two-year-old daughter, who required specialized milk for a medical condition, died from malnutrition due to lack of access to food. Her death added to a rising toll that, according to local health authorities, has now surpassed 150 starvation-related fatalities, including many young children.
The United Nations and humanitarian groups have increased the flow of aid in recent days, aided by temporary halts in military operations by Israel. However, even with these pauses, officials say the relief is insufficient to meet the needs of Gaza’s population, which has been ravaged by months of warfare and blockade.
Diverging Reactions and Rising Tensions
Israel swiftly rejected Canada’s announcement, labeling it a move that “rewards terrorism” and undermines efforts to reach a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the decision damaged bilateral relations and sent the wrong message at a sensitive moment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed these concerns, arguing that such recognitions only embolden Hamas and other militant groups.
A U.S. administration official also voiced disapproval, calling the decision premature and suggesting that it would complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts. The official reiterated Washington’s position that any future recognition must be linked to a broader peace agreement that ensures Israel’s security and brings Hamas under control.
Despite the criticism, other international leaders have expressed support for Canada’s position. French President Emmanuel Macron, after discussing with Carney before the declaration, called the decision a positive step toward restarting peace negotiations and renewing hope for a lasting resolution in the region.
Within Israel, the political landscape is growing more tense. Far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition are pushing for annexation of parts of Gaza, while voices within the Israeli security cabinet have floated more drastic measures to pressure Hamas, including the re-establishment of Jewish settlements in the strip. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the plan “closer than ever,” describing Gaza as inseparable from Israel’s territory.
On the other side of the conflict, Palestinians in Gaza have responded with a mix of hope and frustration. Saed al-Akhras, a local resident of the enclave, described the recognition by Western nations as a significant change in the way the world views the Palestinian cause. “We’ve suffered for more than 70 years. It’s time the world acknowledged our right to live in peace and dignity,” he said.
However, families of Israeli hostages remain deeply concerned. The Hostages Family Forum released a statement opposing any move to recognize Palestine before the release of all captives. They called the recognition “a dangerous and irresponsible gesture” that undermines justice and rewards those responsible for violent acts.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire have slowed down recently, with the suggested 60-day pause in hostilities still unresolved and facing significant delays. Despite Israel’s limited pauses in military action, airstrikes and clashes have continued. According to local sources, dozens of Palestinians were killed within a few hours on Wednesday as they attempted to reach food aid trucks in northern Gaza.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Israel on Thursday to hold high-level meetings on humanitarian access and long-term strategies for the region. Former U.S. intelligence official Jonathan Panikoff suggested that Canada’s recognition might be largely symbolic but could shift the tone of international discourse. “The objective appears to be increasing pressure on Israel to re-engage with the two-state solution framework,” he said.
For now, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. Gaza’s health ministry estimates over 60,000 people have died since the conflict reignited in October 2023, following Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel. That event left around 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage, triggering the latest round of devastating violence.