Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will officially recognize Palestine as a state during the United Nations General Assembly later this year. The Canadian Press
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will recognize a Palestinian state in September. He added that the West Bank’s governing body must agree to hold elections in 2026 and commit to democratic reforms. Carney made the announcement during a press conference after speaking to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Conditions Set for Recognition
Carney said Canada will officially recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly. But the Palestinian Authority must first promise to hold fair elections. He also said Hamas cannot take part in the elections. “Preserving a two-state solution means standing with those who choose peace,” Carney said.
He also stressed that the future Palestinian state must be demilitarized. According to him, the goal is peace and co-existence between Israel and Palestine.
Support and Reaction from Palestinians
Mona Abuamara, a former Palestinian diplomat, said the conditions set by Carney are possible. She added that Palestinians have suffered enough and want a chance to build their own state.
Carney said the threat from Hamas, expanding Israeli settlements, and the worsening crisis in Gaza pushed Canada to act now. He also said past approaches, which waited for a peace deal before recognizing Palestine, no longer work.
Similar Moves by Other Countries
Carney's announcement came after similar statements from other countries. The U.K. also plans to recognize Palestine unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire and allows humanitarian aid into Gaza. France, Spain, Ireland, and Norway have already recognized Palestine. Carney said he had recently spoken with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron about the issue.
Criticism from Israel and Others
The Israeli government quickly rejected Canada’s decision. It said the move rewards Hamas and could harm ceasefire talks. Israel’s ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, warned that Hamas would feel encouraged by the news. He said it sends the wrong message during a time of conflict.
Noah Shack, a Jewish community leader, said Carney’s trust in the Palestinian Authority is misplaced. He believes recognizing a state without real changes will lead to failure.
Humanitarian Aid and Support
Canada also promised $10 million to help the Palestinian Authority prepare for statehood. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced the aid at a UN meeting earlier this week. She said the money will help build better governance and strengthen institutions.
Carney admitted that holding fair elections during a crisis will be hard. But he promised Canada will help support the process. “We know the task is big,” he said, “but we are ready to help.”
Mixed Reactions in Canada
The Conservative Party said it supports a two-state solution but disagrees with Carney’s move. It said recognizing Palestine now helps Hamas and delays peace. The NDP supported the decision but said it came too late. Some Liberal MPs also called for earlier action.
Many politicians and groups across Canada have asked for the country to support Palestinian statehood.
