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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday announced his nation’s intention to recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, marking a significant shift in Canadian foreign policy.
The decision, contingent on reforms by the Palestinian Authority, comes amid growing international criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and increasing support for a two-state solution.
Carney stated that Canada’s recognition is predicated on the Palestinian Authority committing to democratic reforms, including holding general elections in 2026 without the participation of Hamas, which Canada has designated as a terrorist organisation.
The Canadian PM emphasised that the Palestinian state must also be demilitarised, and Hamas must release all hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack and disarm.
“Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution – an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security,” he said during a news conference in Ottawa, flanked by Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand.
Carney’s announcement follows similar moves by France, which declared its intent to recognise Palestine in September, and the United Kingdom, which conditioned its recognition on Israel agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.
The Canadian PM noted that his nation’s decision was influenced by discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where starvation and restricted aid access have drawn global condemnation.
“The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” Carney said, adding that Canada condemns Israel’s failure to prevent the unfolding catastrophe.
The North American nation’s shift departs from its long-standing policy of recognising a Palestinian state only after a negotiated peace agreement with Israel.
Carney cited the erosion of prospects for a two-state solution, driven by Hamas’s actions, accelerated Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, and the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, as reasons for the change.
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“The prospect of a Palestinian state is literally receding before our eyes,” he said.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed it as “historic,” stating it would enhance regional peace and stability, according to the PA’s Wafa news agency.
However, Israel’s Ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, rejected the move, arguing it “rewards and legitimises the monstrous barbarity of Hamas” and undermines Israel’s security.
The Conservative Party of Canada also criticised the announcement, stating it sends the wrong message following the October 7 attack.
Canada has committed $30 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza and $10 million to support the Palestinian Authority’s governance reforms.
The country joins over 140 nations, including a dozen in Europe, that recognise Palestine, though the move is largely symbolic and aims to increase diplomatic pressure to end the conflict.
Carney reiterated Canada’s unwavering support for Israel’s right to exist and its security, emphasising that a viable Palestinian state must recognise this right.
“We are working with others to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution,” he said, acknowledging the challenges ahead in establishing a democratic and stable Palestinian state.
