Canada will officially recognize the State of Palestine in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday, marking a significant shift in Canadian foreign policy and aligning Ottawa with recent similar decisions by the UK and France.
Carney emphasized that the recognition would be contingent on democratic reforms within the Palestinian Authority (PA), including the holding of national elections next year, with a specific condition excluding Hamas from participation.
During a press briefing, the Canadian Prime Minister stated: "The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable and rapidly deteriorating. The expansion of Israeli settlements and the erosion of Palestinian statehood can no longer be ignored."
This announcement follows the UK's declaration on Tuesday of its intention to recognize Palestine by September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and meets other diplomatic conditions. France made a similar commitment last week, potentially making Canada the third G7 nation to adopt this position in less than two weeks.
Israel's Response and Political Backlash
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly condemned Canada's decision, describing it as "a reward for Hamas" and warning that it would undermine efforts to secure both a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages still held since Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023.
Domestically, Carney's announcement has triggered political controversy. The Conservative opposition accused the prime minister of sending "the wrong message to the world" by recognizing a Palestinian state following the October 7 attacks that resulted in 1,200 deaths in Israel and the capture of 251 hostages.
However, nearly 200 former Canadian diplomats and ambassadors recently signed an open letter urging the government to recognize Palestinian statehood, citing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and "violent attacks by extremist settlers" in the West Bank.
"The principles Canada claims to uphold are being abandoned daily," the letter stated, referencing the starvation, displacement, and bombardment facing Palestinian civilians.
Conditions for Recognition
Carney stressed that Canada's recognition will depend on the PA's commitment to reform its governance structures and pursue demilitarization. He confirmed having personally discussed these conditions with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas earlier that day.
When questioned whether Canada's decision was influenced by similar moves from France and the UK or involved consultation with US President Donald Trump, Carney maintained that Canada's foreign policy remains independent: "We make decisions in line with our values and the urgency of the moment."
The Palestinian Authority, led by the Fatah party, currently governs parts of the West Bank, while Hamas controls Gaza. No general election has been held in either territory since 2006, making Carney's announcement a significant pressure point for the PA to demonstrate a credible path toward democratic reform.
According to the UN, 147 of its 193 member states already recognize Palestinian statehood. The United States, Israel's closest ally and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has not indicated any immediate plans to follow suit.
Carney said the formal announcement will be made during the UN General Assembly in September, adding: "The two-state solution has long been Canada's position, but continuing on the same path is no longer tenable. We must act before the prospect of peace is extinguished completely."
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