Canada is poised to become the third G7 nation to formally recognize a Palestinian state, contingent upon democratic reforms by the Palestinian Authority.
Canada Set to Recognize Palestinian State Amid Global Shift
Canada Set to Recognize Palestinian State Amid Global Shift
Prime Minister Mark Carney announces Canada's intention to recognize a Palestinian state, responding to recent moves by France and the UK.
In an announcement made by Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada is preparing to recognize a Palestinian state by September, mirroring similar moves by the UK and France in recent days. Carney emphasized that this decision would be contingent upon the Palestinian Authority's reforms, including plans for elections in 2026 that would exclude Hamas from governance.
This diplomatic shift comes after escalating violence, including the October 7 attacks on Israel, as well as the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and it has prompted a strong reaction from Israel's foreign ministry. Israel condemned Canada's plans, stating they amount to a "reward for Hamas." Despite this backlash, Carney stressed the urgent need to address the rising humanitarian challenges in Gaza, which he described as "intolerable."
Carney explained that the long-standing commitment to a two-state solution has become increasingly unfeasible, given the expanding Israeli settlements and deteriorating conditions for Palestinians. He noted that discussions were held with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas regarding the upcoming recognition.
Reactions in Canada have been mixed, with criticisms emerging from conservative party officials who argue that recognizing a Palestinian state may undermine messages pertaining to recent acts of terror. Moreover, nearly 200 former Canadian diplomats have called upon the government to proceed with formal recognition, citing violations of Canadian values and interests as a significant factor.
While Carney maintained that Canada's decision was made independently, he acknowledged the broader trend among allied nations toward recognizing Palestinian statehood. Should Canada follow through, the US would remain the only permanent member of the UN Security Council not to formally recognize a Palestinian state, aligning Canada more closely with its European partners amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza grows, with over 60,000 reported casualties, the international community watches closely, weighing actions that could impact peace efforts in the region.
This diplomatic shift comes after escalating violence, including the October 7 attacks on Israel, as well as the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and it has prompted a strong reaction from Israel's foreign ministry. Israel condemned Canada's plans, stating they amount to a "reward for Hamas." Despite this backlash, Carney stressed the urgent need to address the rising humanitarian challenges in Gaza, which he described as "intolerable."
Carney explained that the long-standing commitment to a two-state solution has become increasingly unfeasible, given the expanding Israeli settlements and deteriorating conditions for Palestinians. He noted that discussions were held with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas regarding the upcoming recognition.
Reactions in Canada have been mixed, with criticisms emerging from conservative party officials who argue that recognizing a Palestinian state may undermine messages pertaining to recent acts of terror. Moreover, nearly 200 former Canadian diplomats have called upon the government to proceed with formal recognition, citing violations of Canadian values and interests as a significant factor.
While Carney maintained that Canada's decision was made independently, he acknowledged the broader trend among allied nations toward recognizing Palestinian statehood. Should Canada follow through, the US would remain the only permanent member of the UN Security Council not to formally recognize a Palestinian state, aligning Canada more closely with its European partners amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza grows, with over 60,000 reported casualties, the international community watches closely, weighing actions that could impact peace efforts in the region.
