Canada to Recognize State of Palestine at Upcoming UN Meeting, Joining Growing International Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza

 Ottawa, July 31, 2025 — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that Canada will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September. The decision, which follows similar announcements by France and the United Kingdom, signals mounting international pressure on Israel amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters, Carney condemned the ongoing devastation in Gaza and criticized the Israeli government's actions. "Canada cannot remain silent while the situation in Gaza deteriorates into a humanitarian catastrophe. The dream of a Palestinian state is vanishing before our eyes," he said, referring to the deepening starvation and widespread destruction in the territory.

Carney said the recognition was also motivated by assurances from the Palestinian Authority, which represents the State of Palestine at the UN, that it is committed to political reforms and is preparing to hold general elections in 2026 — elections in which the militant group Hamas "can play no part," he emphasized.

The move reflects a growing divide between Israel and some of its long-standing allies. In recent weeks, the French government signaled its intention to recognize Palestinian statehood, while the UK declared it would follow suit in September if hostilities had not ceased by then.

The announcements come amid alarming reports from international humanitarian organizations and local authorities in Gaza. The enclave’s health ministry reported seven additional hunger-related deaths on Wednesday, including a two-year-old child suffering from a pre-existing condition. Meanwhile, Gaza's Hamas-run media office claimed at least 50 people were killed by Israeli forces within three hours as they attempted to access food aid in northern Gaza.

Israel and the United States swiftly rejected Carney’s announcement. The Israeli Foreign Ministry denounced the shift in Canada’s position, calling it “a reward for Hamas” that undermines efforts toward a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed these concerns, warning that recognition of a Palestinian state could derail diplomatic negotiations.

A senior White House official, speaking anonymously, said President Donald Trump views the recognition as “misguided” and “a political gift to Hamas.” Trump’s envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Thursday for urgent talks.

Despite the opposition, support for Palestinian statehood continues to grow. The State of Palestine has held non-member observer status at the UN since 2012 and is now recognized by over 75% of the UN’s 193 member states.

Former U.S. intelligence officer Jonathan Panikoff noted that Canada's decision may be symbolic but reflects rising global frustration. “This move aims to reignite the two-state dialogue, though it may strain Canada’s relationship with Israel,” he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who reportedly consulted with Carney prior to the announcement, said the move is essential to “reviving hope for peace in the region.”

However, domestic political tensions in Israel continue to flare. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared that rebuilding Jewish settlements in Gaza is “closer than ever,” and referred to the territory as “an inseparable part of the Land of Israel.” Meanwhile, Israeli Security Cabinet member Zeev Elkin threatened further annexations if Hamas does not capitulate.

Efforts to negotiate a 60-day ceasefire and secure the release of hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel — which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages — have stalled. Since then, Israeli military operations have reportedly killed over 60,000 people in Gaza, according to figures released by the territory's health ministry.

In Gaza, the daily toll of the humanitarian crisis continues to mount. A father in Deir al-Balah told Reuters that his two-year-old daughter, who required a specific type of milk, died from starvation due to lack of medical supplies. “She starved. We stood helpless,” he said.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 154 people — including 89 children — have died from hunger and malnutrition since the onset of the war, with most deaths occurring in recent weeks.

Israel announced limited daily humanitarian pauses and secure corridors for aid earlier this week, but the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned that the volume of supplies remains critically insufficient.

Public opinion in Gaza reflects both relief and skepticism. “Recognition by major powers is a real shift in how the world views our struggle,” said local resident Saed al-Akhras. “But it’s long overdue. We have suffered in silence for more than 70 years.”

At the same time, families of Israeli hostages urged world leaders to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood until their loved ones are returned. In a statement, the Hostages Family Forum called the move “a dangerous moral and political failure that legitimizes terrorism.”

Despite the deepening divide, Carney stood by his decision, framing it as both a diplomatic necessity and a moral imperative. “Recognizing Palestine is not a reward to extremists,” he said. “It is a step toward restoring dignity, stability, and ultimately, peace in the region.”