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Quick Hit:

Mark Carney says Canada will recognize a Palestinian state at the UN in September. Families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas condemned the move as a “shameful” reward for terrorism.

Key Details:

• Prime Minister Carney said Canada would join France and the UK in recognizing a Palestinian state, calling it part of a commitment to a “two-state solution.”
• The Hostages and Missing Families Forum blasted the move, arguing that recognizing statehood before the hostages are released rewards Hamas for war crimes and undermines international law.
• The White House reiterated its stance against premature state recognition, with President Trump calling it a “reward for Hamas” during remarks on Tuesday.

Diving Deeper:

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared in a letter Wednesday that Canada intends to back Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly this September — aligning with similar moves from France and the United Kingdom. Carney framed the decision as consistent with Canada’s support for a two-state solution, writing that he supports “an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.”

But with no functioning government in Gaza beyond Hamas — a designated terrorist organization — and with no defined borders or governing authority for a Palestinian state, critics questioned what exactly Carney was recognizing. The announcement drew immediate backlash from the families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, as well as from U.S. leaders.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum — representing the majority of families with loved ones still in Hamas captivity — released a statement calling the move “a blatant violation of international law.” The group stated, “Recognition of a Palestinian state while Hamas holds 50 hostages isn’t just a step away from peace, it is a blatant violation of international law and a dangerous moral and political violation that bestows legitimacy to horrifying war crimes.”

At least 20 of the 50 hostages are believed to still be alive. The Forum urged world leaders to reject any talk of statehood recognition until those captives are freed. “The international community — if it wants peace — must join the efforts of the US and demand, before all else, the release of the hostages and then the end of the fighting,” the group said.

The Forum continues to advocate for a negotiated resolution that would see all hostages released in exchange for an end to the war and the release of Palestinian security prisoners.

The White House also reiterated its opposition to unilateral statehood declarations, warning that such a move would serve only to legitimize Hamas. President Donald Trump echoed those concerns on Tuesday, calling it a “reward for Hamas” and warning that it would undermine long-term peace and security in the region.

While several European countries have signaled their intent to push forward with recognition of a Palestinian state, critics argue the timing is dangerous — especially as Hamas remains entrenched in Gaza and further diplomatic efforts to free hostages have yet to succeed.

From the Daily Caller News Foundation

By Wallace White

A number of Arab nations called on Hamas to relinquish its arms and rule over the Gaza Strip on Tuesday in an unprecedented move at the United Nations (UN).

The 22-member Arab League — which includes Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar — backed a declaration at the UN on Tuesday calling for the terrorist group to relinquish its power in the Gaza Strip. The move marks the first time the Arab states have collectively called for the removal of Hamas, with many also condemning the deadly Oct. 7, 2023 attacks on Israel for the first time.

“Governance, law enforcement and security across all Palestinian territory must lie solely with the Palestinian Authority, with appropriate international support,” the documents read. “Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State.”

France, which recognized a Palestinian state on July 24, also backed the declaration, calling the move “unprecedented,” according to CNN. The signatories will push for a two-state solution to the protracted conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people.

Egypt also had formulated a plan in March to exclude Hamas from governance of the Gaza Strip, according to documents obtained by CNN. Arab leaders discussed the plan, proposing to shift governance to the Palestinian Authority, which currently governs the West Bank.

The U.S. has unsuccessfully attempted to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, withdrawing its diplomats from talks in Doha, Qatar, on July 24. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff accused the terrorist group of negotiating in bad faith, adding that it is “a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way.”