Three G7 countries have agreed to recognize Palestine as a sovereign nation, under certain conditions. The war in Gaza has officially been dubbed a genocide. The conflict has continuously restricted food and other humanitarian aid, leading to daily starvation deaths. 

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is the leading international authority on food crises. IPC reported Tuesday that “81% of Gaza households now report poor food consumption, with acute malnutrition among children under five reaching 16.5% in Gaza City – crossing the famine threshold.”

According to the IPC report, there have been over 1,000 deaths during attempts to access food. IPC calls it the “worst-case scenario of famine,” predicting “widespread death” without immediate actions. Due to lack of data access in the area, there has not been a formal declaration of famine. 

The Gaza Health Ministry said last Thursday that in the past three weeks, at least 48 people died of causes related to malnutrition, including 28 adults and 20 children. That’s up from 10 children who died in the five previous months of 2025. 

Humanitarian workers in the area are calling for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further deaths. Rachel Cummings, humanitarian director for Save the Children International, told AP News, “If we don’t have the conditions to react to this mass starvation, we will see this exponential rise…so we will see thousands and potentially tens of thousands of people die in Gaza. That is preventable.” 

Humitarian rights groups within Israel are condeming the nation, saying Isreal is committing genocide in Gaza. The death toll has reached 60,000 people. 

While recognition does not provide immediate relief to the ongoing struggle in Gaza, it does add diplomatic pressure onto Israel to reach a ceasefire and strengthen Palestinian claim on the territory. 

French President Emmanuel Macron shared the statement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on July 24 on X saying, “The urgent need today is for the war in Gaza to end and for the civilian population to be rescued. Peace is possible.” 

Israeli and United States leaders condemned the decision, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s posting on X, “This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.”

MSNBC reports, “The French decision brings the international community back to the fundamental choice that faces the world. Israelis and Palestinians live in virtually equal numbers in a de facto Israeli state that simultaneously denies both citizenship and independence to the overwhelming number of Palestinians (the 5 million or so who live in the occupied territories).”

Shortly after the announcement, the UK followed suit, threatening to do the same if Israel didn’t agree to a ceasefire. Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a statement on July 29 saying, “The only way to bring this humanitarian crisis to an end is through a long-term settlement. So we are supporting the US, Egyptian and Qatari efforts to secure a vital ceasefire.” 

Wednesday afternoon Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced he will join the efforts to recognize Palestine in September. The move is dependent on the Palestinian Authority “holding general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state.”

He added, “Much has to happen before a democratic viable state is established.”

The move renews efforts for a possible “two-state” solution. Prime Minister Starmer said, “Our goal remains a safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. But right now – that goal is under pressure like never before.” 

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said in response, “The shift in the British government’s position at this time, following the French move and internal political pressures, constitutes a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages.”

Along with the recognition announcement from the UK, the nation also air-dropped in much needed supplies into Gaza on Tuesday. 

The recognition will take place at the United Nations General Assembly in September. France is the tenth EU country to take this step. BBC reports, “Currently, the State of Palestine is recognised by more than 140 of the 193 member states of the UN.” 

The efforts are reflecting a shift in global attitudes towards Israel’s war in Gaza.

**Mavrie has been serving as editor for the ThunderWord since 2024. She is also the founding president of Highline’s Non-fiction Writers Circle.**