Canada, Malta, France, UK Plan Palestine Recognition Amid Gaza Crisis

Canada, Malta, France, and the United Kingdom have announced plans to recognize Palestine as an independent state during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September 2025, aiming to revive the two-state solution amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that Canada’s recognition is contingent upon reforms by the Palestinian Authority, including the exclusion of Hamas from the 2026 elections, reflecting concerns about militant groups. Malta's government echoed support for Palestinian self-determination, framing recognition as a practical step toward peace. Israel strongly condemned these moves, labeling them as a 'reward for Hamas' that could undermine ceasefire efforts and complicate hostage negotiations. The White House, citing concerns shared by President Trump, also stated that recognizing Palestine at this time could unjustly benefit Hamas and destabilize the region. These developments highlight a growing international divide over how to address the conflict, with some nations advocating recognition to encourage peace, while others fear it may embolden militant factions and hinder diplomatic progress.