Key points
- France, UK, Canada move to recognise Palestinian state
- First G7 nations to support Palestinian statehood recognition
- Israel faces growing isolation amid Gaza humanitarian crisis
ISLAMABAD: Three key US allies — France, Britain, and Canada — have announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state, signalling a major diplomatic shift that leaves Israel increasingly isolated amid growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
France led the move, stating it would recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September. Britain followed, saying it would offer recognition if Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas, according to The Washington Post.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the situation in Gaza as “appalling.” Canada also voiced conditional support, calling for democratic reforms by the Palestinian Authority, including elections in 2026 that exclude Hamas.
These announcements would make France, Britain, and Canada the first G7 nations to take such a stance, joining over 140 UN member states that already recognise Palestinian statehood. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticised Israel, stating, “Canada condemns the fact that the Israeli government has let the situation deteriorate in Gaza to this extent.”
Renewed push for two-state solution
Malta also announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state, while countries including Australia, Portugal, and Luxembourg released a joint statement backing a renewed push for a two-state solution. Although some European nations recognised Palestinian statehood years ago, others — such as Germany and Italy — have shown no indication of following suit.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the announcements, accusing Britain of caving to internal political pressure and “rewarding Hamas.” It argued that such moves undermine ceasefire efforts and hostage negotiations.
The Trump administration reacted sharply, warning Canada of potential trade repercussions and imposing sanctions on the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
Significant diplomatic development
A senior Egyptian official, speaking anonymously, described the wave of recognitions as a “significant diplomatic development,” asserting that the lack of a peace partner now lies on the Israeli side. “Israel used to claim the Palestinians had no credible partner for peace,” the official said. “Now, the problem is that there is no partner for peace in Israel.”
Many countries, including China, India, Russia, and Malaysia, recognised a Palestinian state in 1988, after the Palestine National Council declared independence.
Others, such as Barbados, Spain, and Slovenia, followed more recently. On Thursday, Slovenia also announced an arms embargo on Israel in response to the ongoing conflict.
