Canada plans to recognize Palestinian state, drawing sharp Israeli criticism

Thursday 31 July 2025 - 17:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Canada plans to recognize Palestinian state, drawing sharp Israeli criticism

Canada has announced its intention to formally recognize the State of Palestine during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. The decision, revealed on Wednesday by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during a press conference in Ottawa, marks a significant shift in the nation’s foreign policy and has drawn swift condemnation from Israel.

Carney described the move as a response to the “intolerable level of human suffering in Gaza” and reaffirmed Canada’s longstanding commitment to a two-state solution as the path to ending the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“This possibility of a two-state solution is eroding before our eyes,” Carney stated, emphasizing that the decision hinges on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to key reforms, including President Mahmoud Abbas’s pledge to hold general elections in 2026 and to maintain a demilitarized Palestinian state.

The Palestinian leader praised Canada’s decision as “courageous” and “critical at this historical moment to preserve the two-state solution.” Canada is now the third G7 nation, following France and the United Kingdom, to announce plans to recognize Palestine during the UN General Assembly.

Israel denounces move; France applauds

Israel responded swiftly, condemning Canada’s announcement as part of what it described as an “international pressure campaign” that could embolden Hamas. In a statement, Israel’s embassy in Ottawa accused the move of hardening Hamas’s stance at a critical moment in negotiations. Similarly, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the decision via social media, claiming it “rewards Hamas” and undermines efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, criticizing Carney’s decision as a policy misstep that could complicate U.S.-Canada trade talks. “Wow! Canada just announced its support for a Palestinian state. This will make trade deals with them very tough. O Canada!!!” Trump wrote on his platform, Truth Social.

In contrast, France welcomed the announcement. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed hope that the Canadian decision would contribute to a collective momentum for peace, affirming that he had spoken with Carney earlier in the day to discuss the matter. The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer similarly announced plans to recognize Palestine, contingent on specific Israeli commitments, including a ceasefire in Gaza.

A shift amid worsening conditions in Gaza

Canada’s announcement comes as humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. On Tuesday, a UN-backed hunger monitoring group warned that Gaza is facing a “worst-case famine scenario.”

Carney reiterated Canada’s commitment to a negotiated peace process but acknowledged that the current approach is no longer viable. He criticized both Hamas for its terrorism and violent rejection of Israel’s right to exist and Israel for its inability to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He also condemned the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are considered illegal under international law.

The Israeli blockade of Gaza, which began in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has left 2.4 million Palestinians living under siege. The ongoing conflict underscores the urgency of renewed diplomatic efforts to address the region’s escalating crises.