Overview

• A coalition of 15 Western countries led by France has invited all UN member states to signal their intent to recognize a Palestinian state during the 80th General Assembly in September.
• On July 29, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to grant recognition unless Israel enacts a Gaza ceasefire, halts West Bank annexation and commits to a durable two-state process.
• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared Canada will join the recognition effort, citing the intolerable humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a catalyst for diplomatic action.
• Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the Western pledges as a reward for Hamas and warned they undermine ongoing efforts for a ceasefire and hostage negotiations.
• The French presidency said it will sustain diplomatic outreach to expand the recognition drive ahead of the UN session as a means to pressure parties toward peace.