Trump knocks Canada’s backing of Palestinian state
President Donald Trump shared a response to Canada’s announcement that it will support a Palestinian state on Wednesday, July 30. He posted to Truth Social, stating that following the news, a trade deal between Canada and the U.S. will be “very hard.”
The president posted, “Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!”
Canada backs a Palestinian state
Canada announced Wednesday, July 30, that it would recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Prime Minister Mark Carney said the decision depends on significant changes from the Palestinian Authority, including a promise to hold elections without Hamas.
The North American country has long been committed to a two-state solution — an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security.
“This intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reforms, including commitments by the Palestinian Authority’s president (Mahmoud) Abbas to fundamentally reform its governance, to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part. And to demilitarize the Palestinian state,” Carney said.
Canada follows UK, France lead
Canada’s recognition comes just one day after U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the U.K. would join France in its support for a Palestinian state.
“We are clear that statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people,” Starmer wrote. “A ceasefire will put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution which guarantees peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis.”
Following Starmer’s announcement, Trump spoke to reporters saying, “I’m not going to take a position. I don’t mind him taking a position. I’m looking for getting people fed right now.”
Proposed solutions
The recognition push comes as pressure mounts on Israel to accept a two-state solution or risk losing international support. However, Israel quickly criticized the move, calling it “a reward for Hamas.”
But Carney said lasting peace requires a viable Palestinian state in addition to Israel’s security.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
