By ABDULLAH 
In a dramatic diplomatic move, Canada has officially announced its intention to recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September, aligning with a growing number of Western nations pushing for a two-state solution amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Prime Minister Mark Carney declared the historic shift during a press conference in Ottawa, emphasizing that the ongoing starvation crisis in Gaza and unfolding humanitarian catastrophe have made the need for peace more urgent than ever.
“The reality on the ground—starving civilians, collapsing infrastructure, and unending violence—means the prospect of a Palestinian state is literally receding before our eyes,” Carney stated.
This announcement follows similar commitments from France and the United Kingdom, signaling a unified Western pivot towards recognizing Palestinian sovereignty if Israel fails to halt its military campaign in Gaza.
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Canada’s recognition is conditional, based on assurances from the Palestinian Authority (PA) regarding key reforms:
- General elections in 2026 from which Hamas will be excluded
- Commitments to democratic governance and demilitarization
- No participation of armed factions in future governance
Carney emphasized that Hamas has no role in the envisioned future of a peaceful Palestinian state.
“President Abbas has committed to a peaceful, non-militarized Palestine, governed democratically and independent of Hamas,” Carney said.
While France and the UK welcomed Canada’s decision as a positive step toward regional peace, Israel and the United States swiftly condemned the move.
- Israel’s Foreign Ministry called it a “reward to Hamas” and said it undermines ceasefire negotiations.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu warned that this decision could “legitimize terrorism.”
- Former President Donald Trump slammed the move and threatened to derail Canada–U.S. trade talks, tweeting: “Wow! Canada has just announced backing Palestinian statehood. That’ll make it hard to strike a Trade Deal. Oh’ Canada!!!”
Meanwhile, hostage families in Israel urged world leaders to delay recognition until all captives held by Hamas are released.
“Recognizing Palestine now is a betrayal to our loved ones still in tunnels,” said the Hostages Family Forum.
The recognition debate comes amid heartbreaking scenes in Gaza, where over 60,000 people have reportedly been killed since the war began in October 2023. The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed that at least 154 people, including 89 children, have died due to starvation and malnutrition.
- A two-year-old girl suffering from hydrocephalus died due to lack of nutritional milk.
- Israeli forces allegedly killed over 50 people in just three hours while they were collecting food from UN aid trucks.
The United Nations has been able to bring in some aid, but officials admit it’s “far from enough.”
Canada’s move reflects a larger international consensus forming around Palestinian statehood:
- The New York Call—signed by France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several EU nations—declares strong support for the two-state solution and urges Gaza–West Bank unification under the PA.
- Australian PM Anthony Albanese echoed this by saying recognition must “advance the objective of two states living side by side.”
- French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Canada’s decision, stating it “revives the prospect of peace.”
Canada’s formal recognition in September 2025 at the 80th UN General Assembly could mark a turning point in Middle East diplomacy. However, analysts warn the move remains symbolic unless backed by actionable steps toward negotiation, reform, and peace enforcement.
“Recognition without real peace mechanisms may just increase tensions,” said Jonathan Panikoff, a former U.S. national intelligence officer.
Canada’s bold step underscores a global reckoning over the Gaza crisis and represents a growing demand for justice, peace, and long-term stability in the region. Whether this recognition opens the path for peace or deepens international divides remains to be seen in the coming months.