Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Canada has announced its intention to recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, joining France and the United Kingdom in a growing international push to revive the two-state solution. The move comes amid escalating concern over the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes, a strict blockade, and a breakdown in ceasefire negotiations have left millions in desperate need of food, water, and medical aid.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed the decision during a press conference in Ottawa, calling it a necessary and principled step to keep hopes for a negotiated peace alive. “Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine in September. This decision stems from our commitment to a two-state solution, which is slipping away before our eyes,” Carney said.
He added that Canada’s recognition will be conditional, based on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to democratic reforms and disarmament. Specifically, Carney cited a pledge by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to hold general elections in 2026—excluding Hamas—and to demilitarize the prospective state. “We are acting independently, guided by our values and our belief that peace and justice require action, not delay,” he added.
The announcement triggered swift international reactions—perhaps none as forceful as that of former U.S. President Donald Trump. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump lashed out at Ottawa’s decision, warning that it would strain relations with Washington and derail trade negotiations.
“Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing for statehood for Palestinian. That will make it very hard for us to make a trade deal with them. Oh Canada!!” Trump wrote on Thursday. His comment came just hours before new U.S. tariffs set at 35% were scheduled to be imposed on countries without an active trade agreement with the U.S. unless a last-minute deal could be reached.
Trump’s administration has consistently opposed unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, arguing it undermines direct negotiations with Israel. His reaction now echoes that stance and signals potential turbulence ahead in U.S.-Canada economic ties.
Meanwhile, Israel condemned Canada’s decision outright. The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the move as “a reward to Hamas” that would “harm efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages.” The ministry accused Canada of acting at a sensitive moment in the conflict and warned that its recognition could embolden extremists.
Nevertheless, other global powers offered support. France welcomed the Canadian position, with the Élysée Palace saying President Emmanuel Macron had discussed the matter with Carney and praised Canada’s contribution to building “momentum for peace.” France reiterated its intention to push for broader international recognition of Palestine at the upcoming UN gathering.
From Ramallah, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas lauded Canada’s “brave and historic” step. In a phone call with Carney, Abbas said the move would reinforce peace, security, and cooperation in the region, and serve as a lifeline to the fading prospect of a two-state solution. He urged countries that have yet to recognize Palestine to follow Canada’s example.
Abbas also reiterated his government’s readiness to assume full responsibility in the Gaza Strip—including rebuilding infrastructure, facilitating humanitarian aid, and restoring governance—should Israel agree to withdraw. He stressed that any elections held would be under the banner of the Palestinian Liberation Organization and within a framework of one legitimate authority and one unified security force.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed Abbas’s sentiment, describing the Canadian recognition as a “courageous and principled” move. In a statement issued Thursday, the ministry said: “Recognition of Palestine is not only a political necessity; it is a moral obligation and a legal right. Peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without justice, and justice begins with recognition.”
The announcement comes at a time of extreme suffering in Gaza. United Nations agencies have issued repeated warnings about the rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis, citing widespread hunger, malnutrition, and a collapse of essential services due to Israel’s blockade of the strip since March 2025. Efforts to broker a ceasefire with Hamas have stalled, leading to ongoing violence and civilian casualties.
Despite sharp criticism from some quarters, Canada’s move reflects a growing international consensus that recognizing Palestinian statehood may be a necessary step to revive diplomacy and stabilize the region. Whether it marks a turning point or deepens divisions remains to be seen—but for now, it places the issue of Palestinian statehood squarely back on the world’s diplomatic agenda.
