International alliance grows as Canada aligns with France and the United Kingdom in proposing a plan for Palestine
Canada, France, and the United Kingdom have announced their intentions to recognize Palestine as a state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September 2025 [1][2][5]. This decision reflects a growing diplomatic momentum among several countries in support of Palestinian statehood recognition.
The Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, stated that the recognition is contingent on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to reforms, including holding elections in 2026, demilitarizing the Palestinian state, and excluding Hamas from the political process [2]. The UK's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has announced that the U.K. will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September, unless Israel takes various substantive steps [1][2]. France has signalled plans to recognize Palestinian statehood in September, making it the most powerful European nation, aside from France, to announce such a move [1].
As of August 2025, approximately 143 of the 193 UN member states recognize Palestine as a state, representing roughly three-quarters of the international community [3]. Notably, recognition by France, the UK, and Canada would mean four out of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council recognize Palestine, marking a significant diplomatic shift [4].
However, this recognition is not universally accepted. The United States continues to reject unilateral recognition outside of a negotiated peace agreement [1][2]. Some countries remain opposed and are unlikely to alter their stance soon [1].
Israel has rejected Canada's plan to recognize a Palestinian state [1]. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed disapproval of Canada's decision and has warned that trade negotiations with Canada may not proceed smoothly due to this decision [1][2]. Trump has also voiced his disapproval on his Truth Social platform [1].
This development comes amidst the worsening suffering of civilians in Gaza, which has led Canada to call for coordinated international action to support peace [1]. The recognition of a Palestinian state by Canada, France, and the UK signifies a significant shift in policy and a step towards a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region.
[1] BBC News, "UK, France and Canada to recognise Palestine as a state", 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-59238888
[2] CBC News, "Canada to recognize Palestine as a state at the UN", 2025, https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-palestine-state-recognition-1.6109757
[3] United Nations, "List of UN Member States", 2025, https://www.un.org/en/member-states/
[4] Al Jazeera, "UN Security Council: Five permanent members", 2025, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/5/10/un-security-council-five-permanent-members
[5] Reuters, "France to recognize Palestine as a state in September", 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/france-recognize-palestine-state-september-2025-08-01/
The development in policy-and-legislation, with Canada, France, and the United Kingdom announcing plans to recognize Palestine as a state, marks a significant shift within politics that could potentially resolve the ongoing conflict in the region. This move aligns with a growing trend in general-news, as approximately 143 of the 193 UN member states have already recognized Palestine as a state, representing three-quarters of the international community.
