Canada Plans to Recognize Palestinian State in September, According to Prime Minister Carney
In a significant development for international diplomacy, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada have announced their intentions to recognize a Palestinian state later this year. The announcements, made in late July 2025, set a precedent that could potentially reshape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The UK's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announced on July 29, 2025, that the UK would recognize a Palestinian state in September 2025, contingent on Israel agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza, permitting UN aid access, and taking further steps toward lasting peace. France had already announced its intention prior to the UK's declaration, setting a precedent followed by Canada around the same time in July.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared on July 30, 2025, that Canada would recognize a Palestinian state in September 2025, also contingent on the Palestinian Authority's commitments to reforms such as holding elections in 2026, demilitarization, and excluding Hamas from governance.
All three nations insist that recognition is conditional on steps toward peace, democratic reforms, and cessation of violence, emphasizing a two-state solution framework. The Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, has committed to not militarize the state of Palestine.
Canada continues to support Israel's existence as an independent state in the Middle East. The conversation between Carney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer included discussions about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the UK's statement on recognizing a Palestinian state.
The move by Canada comes at a time of renewed international attention on the war in Gaza, particularly the ongoing hunger crisis caused by Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid. Both Israel and the US have criticized the moves by France and the UK, claiming they reward Hamas.
However, the joint statement from the five countries (UK, France, Canada, Norway, and New Zealand) expressed concern over extremist settler violence and settlement expansion, stating they imperil the two-state solution. In the recent past, these countries, along with Australia, have imposed sanctions on two far-right ministers of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
The story and headline have been updated with additional developments. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously condemned the sanctions as unhelpful, stating they do not advance US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war.
The Palestinian Authority plans to hold elections in 2026, with Hamas not participating. Canada is committed to a two-state solution and intends to recognize the state of Palestine at the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations in September. This coordinated move by these three G7 nations marks a significant moment in international diplomacy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- The adjustment in policy-and-legislation by the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, along with other nations like Norway and New Zealand, presents a potential turning point in the world's response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as they plan to recognize a Palestinian state, stressing the importance of steps toward peace, democratic reforms, and cessation of violence.
- Amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Gaza and the criticism from Israel and the US, the general-news about the recognition of a Palestinian state by the G7 nations, including the UK, France, and Canada, is gaining significant attention, with each nation emphasizing their commitment to a two-state solution, humanitarian aid, and peaceful resolution.
