Canada Joins France and UK in Plan to Recognize Palestinian State
Toronto, Canada – In a significant diplomatic shift, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that Canada plans to officially recognize the Palestinian state in September, becoming the third G7 nation to make such a commitment in recent days. The announcement is in line with similar declarations from the UK and France, both of which have outlined plans to recognize Palestinian statehood in the coming months.
Canada’s move is conditional on democratic reforms within the Palestinian Authority, including holding elections next year without the involvement of Hamas. Carney emphasized that the decision to recognize the state of Palestine would be made during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.
“Canada’s recognition of a Palestinian state is deeply influenced by the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank,” Carney stated during a press briefing. He added that the Palestinian Authority must commit to governance reforms and demilitarize the territory for the recognition to proceed.
The announcement follows a series of similar diplomatic actions by Canada’s allies. A day earlier, the UK had announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and meets other specified conditions. Similarly, France unveiled its plans a week ago. Israel has strongly rejected the recognition efforts, accusing the international community of rewarding Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza.
While 147 out of the UN’s 193 member states already recognize a Palestinian state, the latest developments have further divided international opinion. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs took to social media, criticizing Canada’s stance, claiming it would undermine efforts to achieve a ceasefire and facilitate the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 2023 attacks.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with over 60,000 Palestinians reported dead since the Israeli military launched its campaign in response to the deadly Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. The conflict resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis, including 251 hostages, and sparked an ongoing series of violent escalations.
“The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable and it is rapidly deteriorating,” Carney remarked, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Canada had long been a proponent of a two-state solution, but Carney acknowledged that this approach was no longer viable. He noted, “The prospect of a Palestinian state is being eroded before our eyes.” His comments suggest that the Canadian government is re-evaluating its longstanding diplomatic policies in light of the unfolding crisis.
The Conservative opposition in Canada swiftly criticized the move, condemning the recognition of a Palestinian state in the wake of the October 7 terrorist attacks. “This sends the wrong message to the world,” the opposition stated, urging Carney to reconsider.
Further pressure on the Canadian government came from nearly 200 former ambassadors and diplomats, who signed an open letter urging Carney to take decisive action in recognizing a Palestinian state. The letter emphasized that the Canadian government’s principles are being undermined by the ongoing violence against Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Canada’s shift in policy also signals a growing divergence between US allies in the Middle East peace process. If the UK and France go ahead with their recognition of Palestinian statehood, the United States will remain the only permanent member of the UN Security Council to withhold formal recognition.
