Canada plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September during a meeting of the United Nations, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday.

"We are working ourselves, with others, to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution, to not allow the facts on the ground, deaths on the ground, the settlements on the ground, the expropriations on the ground, to get to such an extent that this is not possible," Carney said.

Carney said the move was subject to the Palestinian Authority's commitment to reforms, including commitments to reform its governance and to hold general elections next year in which Hamas "can play no part."

Israel criticized Carney's position, calling it a "reward for Hamas" that hurts efforts to reach a ceasefire and free the remaining hostages still held by the terror group after its Oct. 7, 2023, attack against the Jewish State.

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"Israel rejects the statement by the Prime Minister of Canada," Israel's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "The change in the position of the Canadian government at this time is a reward for Hamas and harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages."

Carney's announcement came after France said last week it would recognize a Palestinian state and a day after Britain said it would recognize the state at the U.N. if the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza had not stopped by then.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke with Carney before Canada's announcement, said the recognition of a Palestinian state will "revive a prospect of peace in the region."

The announcements by some of Israel's closest allies reflect the growing international outrage over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, adding more pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.

"Canada condemns the fact that the Israeli government has allowed a catastrophe to unfold in Gaza," Carney said.

The White House also opposes the decision to recognize a Palestinian state, saying President Donald Trump agrees with Israel that it would be "rewarding Hamas."

"As the president stated, he would be rewarding Hamas if he recognizes a Palestinian state, and he doesn’t think they should be rewarded," a White House official said. "So he is not going to do that. President Trump’s focus is on getting people fed [in Gaza]."

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Israel on Thursday to discuss the situation in Gaza. Trump said this week he expected centers to be set up to feed more people in the area.

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The Palestinian government has been a non-member observer state of the U.N. General Assembly since 2012, recognized by more than three-quarters of the assembly's 193 member states.

The war in Gaza began with Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack against Israel in which roughly 1,200 people were killed and another 251 were abducted, Israeli officials reported.

Israel responded with an ongoing military offensive in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 60,000 people, according to the Hamas-run government's Gaza health ministry.

Reuters contributed to this report.

The Arkansas Department of Public Safety announced they have made an arrest on Wednesday in connection with the killing of a married couple in front of their children at Devil’s Den State Park. 

Special Agents with the Arkansas State Police (ASP) have arrested James Andrew McGann, 28, of Springdale for his alleged part in the double homicide that happened on Saturday.

He’s accused of killing Clinton Brink, 43, and Cristen Brink, 41, while they hiked with their daughters. Their daughters, aged 7 and 9, are now with family.

He is being charged with two counts of capital murder.

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Fox News affiliate Fox 23 reports that McGann was working at a local school in Arkansas and had recently moved to the area.

The outlet cited police saying McGann was formerly employed at Spring Creek Elementary School in Broken Arrow during the 2023-2024 academic year and is listed on the Sand Springs Public Schools website as an employee. His name appeared to have been removed as of early Thursday. 

"The man who was arrested in Arkansas for the murders at Devils Den State Park was a teacher for Broken Arrow Public Schools during the 23/24 school year. He was a 5th grade teacher at Spring Creek Elementary during the 23/24 school year and left of his own accord to work out of state. As with all employees hired by the district, he was subjected to and passed the required background checks prior to being hired. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family affected by this unimaginable act of violence," a statement obtained from the school by FOX23 said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Broken Arrow and Sand Springs Public Schools for comment. 

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According to ASP, the park's rugged terrain and lack of cellphone service delayed their response and public alerts. They were notified at approximately 2:40 PM but didn't issue the alert until almost 8:40 that evening.

Police originally released a composite sketch after the couple were found along a walking trail in the state park. In their statement, they alerted the suspect who "likely sustained an injury while attacking the couple." They did not have any further info at the time.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement just hours after confirmation of the arrest of James Andrew McGann.

"No news can heal the enormous harm done to the Brink family in last weekend’s crime, but this announcement is a comfort and reassurance for our state. I am so proud of the Arkansas State Police, Park Rangers, local law enforcement, and others who have worked nonstop since last weekend to capture this suspect," Governor Sanders said. "I ask that Arkansans lift up prayers of thanks for the brave men and women of law enforcement – and offer prayers of condolence to the victims of this horrific crime. Let there be no mistake – we do not tolerate violent crime in Arkansas. If you target innocent people, law enforcement will hunt you down and bring you to justice." 

Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar praised the efforts of the agencies involved leading up to the arrest, calling it a testament to the relentless work of law enforcement across all levels.

ASP Col. Mike Hagar added, "I’m extremely grateful for the long hours and dedication that our Agents put forward in bringing justice to this family. The collaboration between State Police, other state and local law enforcement agencies, and our federal partners has been second to none. Because of their hard work and investigative skill, we were able to take a monster off the streets, and bring relief to those two precious girls, and the rest of our citizens."

Fox News Digital has reached out to Broken Arrow Public Schools for comment.

Additional details will be released as they become available.

This investigation is ongoing and authorities are seeking cooperation from the public.