OTTAWA: Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state this September, aligning with similar recent moves by the UK and France.
However, the decision is conditional on the Palestinian Authority implementing democratic reforms, including holding elections next year that exclude Hamas.
Carney’s announcement follows the UK’s declaration that it will recognize Palestinian statehood in September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and other terms, and France’s unveiling of a comparable plan last week.
Israel has strongly opposed Canada’s stance, with its foreign ministry condemning the move as a “reward for Hamas.” Currently, 147 of the 193 United Nations member countries recognize Palestine as a state.
Carney said Canada’s recognition would take place at the upcoming UN General Assembly session. He cited several factors influencing the policy shift: the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, and Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.
“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unbearable and worsening by the day,” Carney stated. He emphasized that Canada’s recognition depends on the Palestinian Authority committing to governance reforms and the demilitarization of Palestinian territories.
While Canada has traditionally backed a two-state solution through negotiations, Carney said that approach is no longer viable, warning that “the possibility of a Palestinian state is disappearing before our eyes.” He also confirmed speaking with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas earlier on Wednesday regarding the plan.
The Palestinian Authority, led by Abbas’s Fatah party, administers parts of the West Bank, while Hamas governs Gaza. Neither has held elections since 2006.
The announcement drew criticism from both Israel and Canada’s opposition Conservatives. Israel’s foreign ministry argued the move undermines efforts to secure a ceasefire and release hostages. Canada’s Conservative Party said the recognition, especially following the October 7 attacks, “sends the wrong message to the world.”
(With inputs from BBC)
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