Overview

• France, the UK and Canada have pledged to recognise Palestine as an independent state at the UN General Assembly in September under a renewed two-state solution push.
• Each vow conditions recognition on Israeli actions, including an immediate Gaza ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid and a halt to West Bank annexations.
• Canada’s commitment further requires Palestinian Authority governance reforms and the exclusion of Hamas from elections and future government roles.
• Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the announcements as a reward for Hamas and the White House echoed concerns, while President Trump warned of potential trade consequences for Canada.
• Senior UK lawyers, led by 40 House of Lords members, have challenged the legality of the UK pledge under the Montevideo Convention criteria for statehood.