As international diplomacy grows increasingly complex surrounding the Gaza conflict, traditional U.S. allies are stepping up to propose recognizing a Palestinian state. Canada has joined the UK and France in this push, contrasting sharply with the Trump administration’s steadfast support of Israel without a clear long-term strategy for Gaza’s governance.
This pivot follows a series of controversial meetings, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's "Tokyo Principles," which advocated for non-displacement of Palestinians and a Palestinian-led governance post-conflict. Although these ideas found favor with European and Arab counterparts, the Trump administration quickly disregarded them.
Recent discussions at a French-Saudi-led conference have highlighted an emerging rift, showcasing how Canada, the UK, and France aim to rekindle support for the two-state solution, while the U.S. sticks to its isolationist stance on Gaza. U.S. officials criticized the conference as a "publicity stunt," indicating that the Trump administration lacks a coherent vision for post-war Gaza governance beyond negating Hamas's role.
Moreover, previous controversial plans by Trump indicated an intention to impose U.S.-led development in Gaza. However, this approach has been largely abandoned due to pushback from Arab nations and logistical realities on the ground. Recent humanitarian crises in Gaza have raised alarms, particularly among European nations pushing for immediate assistance and governmental stability.
The lack of a unified international plan leaves Gaza's future uncertain, yet there’s hope that shifting dynamics will pressure the Trump administration to consider a more multilateral approach. The next conference is set for September, indicating that the conversation regarding Gaza will continue, even as the U.S. remains on the sidelines.
