Western Nations Plan Conditional Palestinian State Recognition

France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Malta have announced plans to formally recognize a sovereign Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September, contingent on Palestinian Authority reforms such as democratic elections excluding Hamas and commitments to demilitarization. The move comes amid mounting international frustration over worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Israel and the United States have sharply criticized the initiative, with former U.S. President Donald Trump warning of possible trade repercussions for Canada. In contrast, countries like Oman and other international actors have welcomed the announcements as positive steps toward a just and lasting peace. The coordinated diplomatic effort aims to revive prospects for a two-state solution and increase pressure on both Israel and Hamas to end the conflict. The push reflects a broad reassessment of Middle East policy among Western nations in response to the prolonged crisis.