Canada has joined France and Britain in announcing plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September, increasing pressure on Israel amid Gaza’s war and starvation crisis. The decision leaves the US increasingly isolated from key allies. President Donald Trump criticized Canada’s move, warning it could jeopardize trade talks.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on July 30 that “Canada intends to recognize the state of Palestine at the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations … because the Palestinian Authority has committed to lead much-needed reform.”
France has already pledged recognition in September, while the UK says it will do the same if Israel fails to agree to a Gaza ceasefire. This is the latest in a series of moves by countries recognizing Palestine’s right to statehood, drawing sharp criticism from both the United States and Israel. Other G7 members, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan, insist that Palestinian statehood must be contingent on a two-state solution and should be realized only as part of a negotiated peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
So, what are some of the countries that already acknowledge Palestine as a state, and what does doing so mean?