**Canada Pledges Aid for Palestine as UK and France Demand Action at UNGA**
*New York City, September 23, 2026* — At the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a significant commitment of 100 million Canadian dollars (approximately 71 million USD) in international assistance aimed at supporting Palestinians. This pledge is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to preserve the viability of a two-state solution amidst ongoing conflict in the region.
Speaking on the sidelines of the UNGA, Carney indicated that a substantial portion of the funding—80 percent—will be directed towards direct humanitarian aid for Palestinians, who are facing severe challenges, particularly in Gaza. The remaining 20 percent will be allocated to initiatives aimed at fostering peace and security, which includes a multiyear program to train Palestinian police forces in the occupied West Bank.
Carney underscored the dire circumstances faced by Palestinians, noting the “immense human suffering” in Gaza. He also highlighted the security concerns of Israelis, who are confronted with threats from groups like Hamas and Iran. The Prime Minister took a critical stance on Israel’s E1 settlement project, which he described as an obstacle to peace. In light of this, Canada has joined a group of 12 countries that have imposed trade restrictions on goods produced in Israeli settlements located in occupied territories.
Since the escalation of violence in Gaza, Canada has committed over 600 million Canadian dollars (approximately 426 million USD) in aid to support Palestinian civilians, reflecting a robust response to the humanitarian crisis.
Carney's remarks were echoed by other Western leaders at the UNGA. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized global leaders for their inaction regarding humanitarian aid, stating, “There are those who claim that peace has been achieved, but this has not opened the way for humanitarian aid deliveries. This sight is shameful. Shame on all of us.” Macron emphasized the urgent need for action, questioning the credibility of leaders who remain passive in the face of the crisis in Gaza.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also addressed the assembly, warning that the failure to deliver a two-state solution would lead to a deterioration of trust in political leaders. He noted that the UK has implemented trade bans on goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, condemning the E1 settlement expansion as a deliberate attempt to obstruct the path to peace. Burnham urged fellow leaders to translate their rhetoric into tangible actions, stating, “If we fail to back those words with deeds, we will further corrode trust in the political, diplomatic and international process.”
The discussions at the UNGA reflect a growing urgency among Western nations to address the humanitarian crisis in Palestine while also seeking to maintain a balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the international community grapples with these complex issues, the pledges made by Canada, France, and the UK signify a collective call for renewed efforts towards achieving peace and stability in the region.