Canada aligns with France and the United Kingdom in contemplating official recognition of a Palestinian state, as tensions mount with the US and crucial allies in the region.
The Elysee Palace, the official residence of the French President, has expressed its eagerness to collaborate with Canada following the latter's announcement of plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September. This decision, made by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, marks a significant shift in Canada's diplomatic stance towards the Middle East.
Canada's long-standing commitment to a two-state solution, which envisions an independent Palestinian state coexisting peacefully and securely with Israel, has been reaffirmed. Carney emphasised that any path to lasting peace for Israel requires a viable and stable Palestinian state that acknowledges Israel's inalienable right to security.
France has welcomed Canada's announcement, and the French statement also encourages others to join in recognizing a Palestinian state in the lead-up to the General Assembly in September. The French position aligns with their previous support for Palestine's admission as a full UN member, although they have not extended official diplomatic recognition as a state.
However, not all reactions to Canada's decision have been positive. Israel's Foreign Ministry has rejected the move, labelling it a "reward to Hamas." Israel's Ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, stated that Israel will not yield to international pressure and will not jeopardize its existence by allowing the imposition of a jihadist state on its ancestral homeland.
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid, continues to pose a significant challenge. The recent incident in northern Gaza, where at least 60 people were reportedly killed and about 600 others injured after Israeli forces fired near an aid site, underscores the urgency of the situation.
Canada's decision leaves the United States increasingly isolated from some of its closest allies on the issue of Israel. The US, like Canada, does not recognize Palestinian statehood and notably vetoed Palestine’s full UN membership in April 2024. The UK, while abstaining from voting on Palestine’s full UN membership, has increased humanitarian and political engagement with Palestinian authorities.
In a call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Carney discussed the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza and the UK's statement on the recognition of a Palestinian state. The Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, has committed to lead much-needed reform, including holding long-delayed elections in 2026, in which Hamas will "play no part." Abbas also assured Carney that the state of Palestine will not be militarized.
As of mid-2025, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom have not formally recognized Palestine as a sovereign state. This diplomatic positioning reflects a broader international situation where approximately three-quarters of UN members recognize Palestine’s statehood, but several key Western powers remain non-recognizers due to political, legal, and strategic considerations.
[1] "Palestine's bid for UN membership: a guide." BBC News. 23 April 2024. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27181753 [2] "UK to restore funding to Palestinian agencies despite not recognizing Palestine as a state." Middle East Eye. 1 June 2025. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-restore-funding-palestinian-agencies-despite-not-recognizing-palestine-state [3] "Why don't more countries recognize Palestine as a state?" Al Jazeera. 15 May 2025. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/15/why-dont-more-countries-recognize-palestine-as-a-state
- The recent decision by Canada to recognize a Palestinian state has sparked debates in the realm of policy-and-legislation and war-and-conflicts, as France, the UK, and other countries continue to weigh their positions, with some expressing support while others, like Israel, voice opposition.
- Amidst this evolving political landscape, [General-news] sources indicate ongoing discussions between leaders such as Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and the UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, focusing on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the recognition of a Palestinian state, and the ongoing efforts to achieve a two-state solution.
