New Delhi, Jul 31: Canada has announced plans to formally recognise a Palestinian state in September, joining the United Kingdom and France in a growing international push for a two-state solution amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the recognition would be contingent on democratic reforms by the Palestinian Authority, including the conduct of elections without the involvement of Hamas.
This decision aligns Canada with other G7 nations that have recently voiced support for Palestinian statehood, as diplomatic pressure mounts on Israel to agree to a ceasefire.
Canada is also expected to make the announcement official during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.
The decision comes against the backdrop of expanding Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the fallout from the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel, which triggered Israel’s ongoing military campaign.
According to the Canadian government, recognition would depend on key conditions such as governance reforms and demilitarisation of Palestinian territories. Canada had traditionally supported a two-state solution as part of a negotiated peace process, but officials now say that the current approach is no longer viable. The move by Canada has been met with criticism from the Israeli government and Canada’s opposition party. Israel called it a “reward for Hamas” and said it undermines efforts to secure a ceasefire and release hostages. Canada’s Conservative Party also expressed concern, saying the decision sends the wrong message following the deadly October attacks. Pressure on the Canadian government had been building after the UK and France announced similar plans. A letter signed by nearly 200 former Canadian diplomats and ambassadors earlier this week urged the government to act, citing grave human rights violations in Gaza and the West Bank. If implemented, Canada’s recognition would leave the United States as the only permanent member of the UN Security Council yet to formally endorse Palestinian statehood.
