Canada announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at a United Nations meeting in September, joining a growing list of Western countries taking this step amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that recognition would depend on reforms by the Palestinian Authority, including governance changes and the exclusion of Hamas from future elections. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Israel, which argues that it rewards Hamas and undermines ceasefire efforts, while families of Israeli hostages also voiced opposition. Meanwhile, the United Nations reports that although more aid is entering Gaza, it remains insufficient as hunger-related deaths continue to rise, highlighting the dire conditions faced by civilians.