Surveillance: UN holds two-state solution meeting without US Israel
The UN held a summit to promote the Palestinian state as the Gaza War intensifies and global pressures are on its way.
Canada intends to recognize the Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on July 30.
Carney told reporters that the planned move was based on Palestinian authorities’ commitment to reform. This includes fundamentally changing governance, holding a general election in 2026, and Hamas – the terrorist group in charge of Gaza – not playing a role.
He added that President Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian authorities governing the West Bank, “promised not to militarize the Palestine province.”
Comments from the Canadian leader came when a meeting in New York reached a two-provincial solution for Israeli and Palestinians in the occupied territories of Gaza and the West Bank. It also follows a 22-member Arab League in Gaza where Hamas is calling on Western-backed Palestinian authorities to disarm and take their hands.
According to CNN, Carney “will always ensure that Israel exists as an independent state in the Middle East of Canada,” Carney said. “Israel’s path to lasting peace requires a viable and stable Palestinian state and acknowledgement of Israel’s infinite right to security.”
Canada’s announcement declares France’s intention to recognize the Palestinian state within a week.
British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer said on July 29 that his country is ready to recognize the Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, unless Israel takes many steps to improve the lives of Palestinians, including allowing more assistance to Gaza.
The enclave is in the grip of starvation brought about by Israel’s almost complete food and medical supplies blockade. Following the attack on October 7, 2023, more than 60,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza during the retaliation war with Israel’s Hamas.
Israel criticized Carney’s announcement, saying it represented rewards to terrorist groups. Around 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, were killed in the 2023 attacks, and Hamas took hundreds of hostages. Today, some people are still being held against their will.
“The current change in the Canadian government’s position is a reward for Hamas and harms the framework for efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry said early on Thursday.
Contributors: Reuters, Dan Morrison, USA Today
