Canada Defies US, Joins Palestine’s Statehood Push

Canada has officially announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state by September, thereby aligning itself with France and the United Kingdom in a major diplomatic shift.

The move signals growing global frustration over Israel’s handling of the Gaza conflict and, as a result, leaves the United States increasingly isolated on the world stage.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered the statement on Wednesday, July 30, during a press briefing alongside Foreign Minister Anita Anand.

Carney emphasized that Canada has always supported a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine coexisting in peace and security.

“Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations,” Carney declared.

Furthermore, he added that the Palestinian Authority had committed to democratic reforms and had assured Ottawa that Hamas would not participate in any upcoming elections.

The announcement follows similar moves by France and the UK. In fact, France has already pledged to formally recognize Palestine in September.

Meanwhile, the UK has warned that it would do the same unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza.

As Canada took its stand, US President Donald Trump, unsurprisingly, lashed out at Ottawa.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that the move could, in turn, jeopardize ongoing trade negotiations.

“Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh, Canada!!!” he wrote.

Trade talks between the US and Canada had already reached a critical stage.

Now, with a potential 35% tariff increase looming by August 1, Trump’s remarks cast a shadow over those delicate discussions.

On the other hand, France quickly embraced Canada’s decision.

A statement from the Élysée Palace confirmed that President Emmanuel Macron had spoken with Carney and expressed support for working together on this diplomatic path.

“We will continue our efforts to encourage others to join this momentum ahead of the General Assembly in September,” the statement read.

However, Israel strongly condemned Canada’s move. Its Foreign Ministry described the recognition as “a reward to Hamas” and accused Ottawa of undermining ceasefire negotiations and hostage-release efforts.

Furthermore, Israel’s Ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, warned that recognizing Palestine would only embolden jihadist groups seeking to destroy Israel.

In response, Carney reiterated Canada’s unwavering support for Israel’s right to exist.

At the same time, he insisted that a peaceful future for both peoples requires a viable, demilitarized Palestinian state.

“Canada will always stand by Israel’s right to peace and security,” Carney stressed.

“But we cannot ignore the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. True peace will remain out of reach unless both peoples enjoy dignity, stability, and hope.”

His remarks came just one day after speaking with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Their conversation, according to Carney’s office, focused on the Gaza crisis and the UK’s evolving position on Palestinian statehood.

Meanwhile, reports from northern Gaza revealed deadly chaos.

Yousef Abu al-Rish, a senior health official in Gaza, told CNN that at least 60 people died and 600 sustained injuries after Israeli troops opened fire near an aid distribution site.

Notably, the Israeli military claimed it had fired warning shots and was still investigating the incident.

Canada’s announcement also follows a joint move last month, where Ottawa, the UK, Norway, New Zealand, and Australia imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers.

In a joint statement, the countries criticized violent settlers and illegal settlement expansions. Moreover, they warned that these acts threatened long-term peace.

At the time, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back.

He argued that such measures hindered American-led efforts to end the war and secure the release of hostages.

With Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepening and pressure mounting on Israel, more countries may now consider formal recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Therefore, Canada’s bold stance could tip the global scales even if it comes at a diplomatic cost with its southern neighbor.

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