Breaking News: More countries recognize a Palestinian state

Canada officially recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, joining a growing number of Western nations pushing for a two-state solution amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement on social media platform X, stating that the move is aimed at fostering peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

The decision aligns Canada with countries like Britain and Australia, which also declared their recognition of Palestinian statehood on Sunday. The coordinated announcements come just ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where additional recognitions—including from France—are expected.

Carney had signaled his intention to move in this direction back in July, citing deepening concerns over the intensifying humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the diminishing prospects for a negotiated peace. He emphasized that the recognition is meant to preserve the viability of a two-state solution.

“We must not let the facts on the ground—deaths, displacement, settlement expansion—erase the possibility of peace,” Carney said previously.

The move marks a significant shift in Canadian foreign policy and comes despite strong opposition from Israel and the United States. Both countries argue that recognizing Palestinian statehood at this stage legitimizes Hamas and undermines efforts to combat extremism. Israel’s government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, continues to reject the two-state framework.

U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Canada’s decision, warning that it could complicate future trade negotiations between the two countries. “This will make it very hard for the United States to reach a trade agreement with Canada,” Trump said.

France is expected to make a similar declaration on Monday. French President Emmanuel Macron had already announced plans earlier this summer to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, positioning France as the first major Western power to do so. He is set to make the official announcement during a U.N. conference co-hosted with Saudi Arabia.

To date, more than 145 countries worldwide recognize a Palestinian state, including over a dozen in Europe.

While Canada has long supported the concept of a two-state solution, past governments maintained that recognition should be the result of direct negotiations. The shift reflects mounting frustration among Western leaders over the prolonged conflict and humanitarian toll in Gaza.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 65,100 people have been killed in the territory since Israel began its military campaign nearly two years ago. The conflict has decimated much of Gaza, displacing roughly 90% of the population and triggering what aid organizations describe as a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Gaza City is reportedly on the brink of famine.

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise attack into southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and taking 251 hostages. As of now, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to still be alive.