Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks with media during a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Associated Press
In a historic move, Canada is set to recognize a Palestinian state this September. The decision, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, aligns the country with growing international calls to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Global Pressure Mounts on Israel
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has drawn global outrage. Images of widespread hunger and devastation have prompted world leaders to act. Carney acknowledged this growing concern, saying, “The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable.”
Following discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who made a similar announcement a day earlier, Carney said Canada would move forward with recognition. The decision will be formalized at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
However, Carney placed strict conditions on the move. He emphasized that the Palestinian Authority must hold democratic elections in 2026, excluding Hamas from participation. The new Palestinian state must also be demilitarized.
Conditions for Palestinian Statehood
Carney made it clear that statehood is conditional. “Much has to happen before a democratic viable state is established,” he said. While the goal is clear, the timeline is uncertain. Carney admitted it’s not achievable in the near term but stressed it’s a step in the right direction.
His remarks reflect a broader consensus that a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace. Canada is now working with other nations to revive that possibility.
A Wider Diplomatic Shift
France and the UK recently announced similar plans, marking a significant shift among Western powers. French President Emmanuel Macron declared last week that France would be the first G7 nation to recognize Palestine. Carney spoke with Macron on Wednesday, further signaling alignment among allies.
Britain’s Keir Starmer echoed similar sentiments. He stated the UK would proceed with recognition unless Israel takes meaningful steps to end the violence, agree to a ceasefire, and commit to a peace process.
Carney emphasized the need to prevent irreversible damage. “We must not allow deaths, settlements, and expropriations on the ground to kill the two-state solution,” he warned.
A Symbolic but Impactful Move
Though largely symbolic, Canada’s recognition adds weight to international pressure on Israel. Over 140 countries already recognize a Palestinian state, including several European nations. Macron’s decision put France in the spotlight as the first major European country to act.
Canada has long supported a two-state solution. However, this is the first time it has committed to recognition outside of a negotiated peace agreement.
Israel Pushes Back
Israel has rejected the growing calls for Palestinian statehood. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government opposes a two-state solution on both security and nationalistic grounds.
Iddo Moed, Israel’s ambassador to Canada, criticized the decision. He called Canada a “dear friend” but said it had become “estranged.” Moed argued that the world has stopped understanding Israel’s perspective, particularly regarding hostages held by Hamas.
Gaza’s Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel. That assault killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. Around 50 remain in captivity, including 20 believed to be alive.
Israel’s military response has since killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The death toll includes both militants and civilians. The UN and other humanitarian groups regard the ministry as a key source of casualty figures.
Hunger has also become a dire issue. At least 89 children have died of malnutrition since the war began. Israel denies starvation exists in Gaza, accusing aid agencies of undermining ceasefire efforts.
U.S. Stays the Course
Despite these developments, the U.S. remains firm in its stance. A White House official stated that former President Donald Trump’s position remains unchanged. “He would be rewarding Hamas if he recognizes a Palestinian state,” the official said, adding that Trump is instead focused on delivering food aid.
As global momentum builds toward Palestinian statehood, Canada’s decision signals a major geopolitical shift—and increases the pressure on Israel to seek a lasting peace.
