Canada formally acknowledges Palestine as a sovereign nation
In a significant shift in diplomatic stances, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom have expressed intentions or conditions towards recognizing Palestine as a state, a move that could see them join the 147 other UN member states that have already done so.
Canada has announced its intention to recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly session in September 2025. This decision comes in response to commitments from the Palestinian Authority towards political reforms, including elections and demilitarization. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized Canada's support for democratic governance in Palestine while maintaining its support for Israel’s security.
The United Kingdom has stated that its recognition of Palestinian statehood hinges on Israel not improving conditions in Gaza and on progress towards a ceasefire. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire by September, the UK would recognize Palestine as a state. This conditional and contingent approach to recognition indicates the UK's concern for peace and stability in the region.
France’s position, while not detailed explicitly in these sources, is grouped with Canada and the UK by U.S. officials as part of a bloc intending to recognize Palestine, suggesting that France is also leaning towards recognition or signalling support for it.
This move has drawn sharp criticism from the U.S. administration, who argue that these recognitions could complicate peace efforts and negotiations. The U.S. accuses these nations of rewarding Hamas prematurely amid ongoing conflict and hostage situations from the October 7, 2023 attack.
Regarding international law, some argue that recognizing Palestine is not contrary to international law but may be seen as a political statement affecting the peace process.
Meanwhile, the Israeli government has criticized Canada's decision, expressing concern that it will harm efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza war and hinder the release of hostages held by Islamists in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government views Canada's shift in policy as a reward for the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, however, has condemned the situation in the West Bank and the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, and has stated that he cannot imagine changing his decision at this time. The Israeli government has not yet commented on the humanitarian crisis in the West Bank.
This development comes after France's announcement from the previous week, making Canada the first G7 country to join France's stance. The Israeli government has not made any announcements regarding joining Britain in recognizing Palestine.
As these nations move towards recognizing Palestine, the international community remains divided, with significant debate ongoing. The two-state solution, which refers to Israel and an independent Palestinian state coexisting peacefully side by side, remains a contentious issue in the Middle East.
- The United Kingdom's recognition of Palestine as a state is contingent upon Israel not improving conditions in Gaza and progress towards a ceasefire, as stated by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- Canada, France, and the United Kingdom are moving towards recognizing Palestine as a state, with Canada announcing its intention to do so at the 80th United Nations General Assembly session in September 2025, joining 147 other UN member states that have already done so.
