Canada plans to officially recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday night, July 30, intensifying global pressure on Israel amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The announcement follows similar pledges from France and the United Kingdom. France confirmed its intention last week, while Britain said it would support recognition in September if the fighting in Gaza has not ceased by then.
"The reality on the ground — the starvation and suffering in Gaza — shows the dream of a Palestinian state is fading before our eyes," Carney said during a press briefing. "Canada condemns the Israeli government's role in allowing this catastrophe to unfold."
Carney noted that Canada's decision was also based on repeated commitments from the Palestinian Authority — which represents Palestine at the U.N. — to reform its governance and hold general elections in 2026. He emphasized that Hamas would not be allowed to participate.
International outrage has grown over Israel’s restrictions on food and humanitarian aid to Gaza in its war with Hamas. A global food monitoring agency has warned of a looming famine in the region.
The Gaza health ministry reported seven hunger-related deaths on Wednesday, including a two-year-old girl with an existing medical condition. Gaza’s Hamas-run media office said at least 50 people were killed by Israeli forces in a three-hour period as they tried to reach U.N. aid trucks in northern Gaza.
Israel and the United States sharply rejected Canada's announcement.
“The Canadian government’s shift rewards Hamas and undermines efforts to reach a ceasefire and free the hostages,” Israel’s foreign ministry said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed those concerns, as he did following similar announcements from France and Britain.
A White House official, speaking anonymously, said President Donald Trump also believes recognizing Palestinian statehood under current conditions “rewards Hamas.”
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in Israel on Thursday to discuss the situation in Gaza. Trump stated earlier this week that he anticipates new food distribution centers will be established in the enclave soon.
Although the State of Palestine has held non-member observer status at the U.N. since 2012 and is recognized by over three-quarters of the General Assembly’s 193 members, formal recognition by Western nations is viewed as highly symbolic and politically charged.
Former U.S. Deputy National Intelligence Officer Jonathan Panikoff said Canada’s move is likely intended “to increase pressure on Israel to return to a two-state solution.” However, he warned it could be largely symbolic and strain Canada’s relationship with a key ally.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke with Carney ahead of the announcement, expressed hope that the recognition would “revive prospects for peace in the region.”
Meanwhile, tensions remain high. Israeli security cabinet member Zeev Elkin said Israel might consider annexing parts of Gaza to put additional pressure on Hamas — a move that would further undermine Palestinian statehood aspirations.
Mediation efforts for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages stalled last week.
In Gaza, resident Saed al-Akhras called the recent announcements by Western nations a “real shift” in how the Palestinian struggle is viewed globally.
“Enough,” he said. “We’ve endured over 70 years of killing, destruction, and occupation while the world stayed silent.”
However, families of Israeli hostages cautioned against premature recognition of Palestinian statehood. “This move is not a path to peace but a betrayal of international law and a moral failure that legitimizes terror,” said the Hostages Family Forum.
Netanyahu has said he supports peace but views any future Palestinian state as a threat that could become a launchpad for attacks on Israel. He insists Israel must retain control over security matters. Several members of his cabinet — including far-right ministers — advocate for the annexation of all Palestinian territories.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday that reestablishing Jewish settlements in Gaza is now “closer than ever,” calling Gaza “an inseparable part of the Land of Israel.”
