Canada will officially recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday, escalating international pressure on Israel as the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens.
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The announcement comes on the heels of similar declarations by France and Britain, with both nations pledging to support Palestinian statehood if hostilities in Gaza persist. The war-torn enclave, under siege since October 2023, is now grappling with widespread starvation, raising global alarm.
Speaking to reporters, Carney said, “The reality on the ground, including starvation of people in Gaza, means the prospect of a Palestinian state is literally receding before our eyes.” He strongly criticized the Israeli government, stating that it had “allowed a catastrophe to unfold in Gaza.”
Carney clarified that Canada’s decision was also based on commitments from the Palestinian Authority to reform its governance and conduct general elections in 2026, explicitly excluding Hamas from participation.
The move signals a major diplomatic shift from one of Israel’s traditional allies, reflecting increasing international frustration with Israel’s continued blockade and airstrikes on Gaza, where the United Nations and aid organizations have reported dire shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
In Gaza, the health ministry confirmed seven more hunger-related deaths on Wednesday, including that of a two-year-old girl with a pre-existing medical condition. Officials also reported that 50 people were killed within three hours as they attempted to reach U.N. aid trucks entering northern Gaza.
Israel swiftly condemned Canada’s stance. In a statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry called the move “a reward for Hamas” that could undermine ongoing efforts for a ceasefire and hostage negotiations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed similar concerns following recent announcements from France and Britain.
The White House, reacting to Canada’s decision, also voiced disapproval. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, said President Donald Trump viewed the recognition as prematurely “rewarding Hamas.”
Meanwhile, Israeli security cabinet member Zeev Elkin floated the possibility of annexing parts of Gaza to counter international recognition of Palestinian statehood—a move likely to draw fierce global condemnation.
Back in Gaza, residents like Saed al-Akhras saw the recognition by Canada and other Western powers as a long-overdue shift. “Palestinians have lived for more than 70 years under killing, destruction and occupation, while the world watches in silence,” he said.
Families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, however, strongly opposed the recognition of Palestine before the return of their loved ones. The Hostages Family Forum described the move as “a dangerous moral and political failure” that could legitimize war crimes.
Despite Israeli promises to allow 10-hour daily pauses for aid convoys, humanitarian agencies say the deliveries remain insufficient. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted an increase in food deliveries during the first two days of these pauses but warned that needs far outpace supply.
Since the war began on October 7, 2023 with Hamas-led attacks killing 1,200 people in Israel and taking over 250 hostages the Israeli military response has reportedly killed over 60,000 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
As September approaches, the political and humanitarian stakes continue to rise, with the international community deeply divided over the path to peace and accountability in the Middle East.
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