Toronto
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will officially recognise the State of Palestine. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Carney said Canada remains fully committed to a two-state solution where both Israel and Palestine exist side by side in peace and security.
Carney was joined by Foreign Minister Anita Anand during the announcement. He said Canada will make the recognition at the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations.
This step follows similar plans by France and the United Kingdom. France will recognise Palestine in September, while the UK has said it will do so if Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Carney added that the decision was made because the Palestinian Authority has promised to carry out key reforms. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told Carney that elections will be held in 2026 and that Hamas will not be part of the government. Abbas also said Palestine will not be a militarised state.
The Canadian move comes amid rising global concern over the war in Gaza, especially the growing hunger crisis caused by Israel’s blockade of aid.
Despite this announcement, Carney made it clear that Canada continues to strongly support Israel’s right to exist and live in peace. He said that lasting peace requires a stable Palestinian state that also recognises Israel’s security needs.
Carney also mentioned a recent conversation with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where they discussed the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the growing international support for Palestinian statehood.
