Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has revealed that his country is preparing to formally recognise a Palestinian state in September, making Canada the third G7 nation to declare such intentions in recent days.
This announcement follows similar moves by France and the United Kingdom, both of which recently outlined plans to recognise Palestine, citing mounting tensions and humanitarian concerns in the region.
Carney clarified that Canada’s decision is contingent on major democratic reforms within the Palestinian Authority, including the conduct of elections by next year that exclude Hamas.
ISRAEL REJECTS MOVE, LABELS IT A REWARD FOR HAMAS
Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed Canada’s plan, describing it as a reward for Hamas. The ministry warned that such a move could damage ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and free hostages held by the militant group.
Carney, however, stood by his position, highlighting the rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for decisive diplomatic action.
”The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable and it is rapidly deteriorating”CANADA’S STANCE: NO MORE STATUS QUO
Carney said Canada’s long-standing support for a two-state solution remains, but the current strategy is no longer realistic.
”The prospect of a Palestinian state is being eroded before our eyes”He emphasised that Canada’s recognition of Palestine would be tied to the Palestinian Authority making fundamental reforms in governance and committing to demilitarisation.
PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY AND THE ROLE OF ABBAS
Carney confirmed that he had spoken with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas before making the announcement. The Authority, controlled by the Fatah party, has not held elections since 2006. The rival Hamas group governs Gaza.
The proposed recognition would only proceed if the Palestinian leadership proves willing to overhaul its internal political structures.
BACKLASH FROM ISRAEL AND CANADA’S OPPOSITION
Canada’s Conservative Party also opposed the move, calling it poorly timed following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel, where 1200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.
QUOTE
Recognising a Palestinian state in the aftermath of the October 7 terrorist atrocities sends the wrong message to the world
In contrast, nearly 200 former Canadian diplomats signed a letter urging Carney to act, citing daily violence against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, including displacement, bombardment, and starvation.
GAZA TOLL CONTINUES TO RISE
Following the October 7 attacks, Israel launched a full-scale military operation in Gaza. More than 60000 people have since died in the territory, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The death toll includes 89 children reportedly killed by malnutrition, among 154 deaths from hunger-related conditions.
UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO BE THE STAGE
Carney stated that Canada will make its formal announcement during the upcoming UN General Assembly. If Canada joins the UK and France in recognition, the United States will stand alone among permanent members of the UN Security Council in not acknowledging Palestine as a state.
Asked whether Canada’s move was influenced by its Western allies or discussed with former US President Donald Trump, Carney replied that Canada makes its own foreign policy decisions.
147 out of 193 UN member states already recognise a Palestinian state. The growing pressure on G7 members signals a potential shift in the global stance, particularly if more Western powers follow suit. Recognition may act as a diplomatic lever aimed at reviving stalled peace talks between Israel and Palestine.
