Canada Signals Intent to Recognize Palestinian State Amid Growing International Support

Canada Signals Intent to Recognize Palestinian State Amid Growing International Support
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to formally recognize the State of Palestine during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September, The Guardian reported. The move follows a joint declaration by France and 14 other countries indicating increased global momentum toward recognition of Palestinian statehood.

The declaration, known as the “New York Call,” was published by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot ahead of a three-day UN conference focused on reviving the two-state solution. It affirmed a commitment to the creation of two democratic states—Israel and Palestine—living side by side within secure and recognized borders. The statement also stressed the need to unify the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.

Signatories to the declaration included countries that have already recognized Palestine, such as Ireland, Norway, and Spain, alongside others like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Finland, which have not. France and the United Kingdom have also recently signaled intent to recognize Palestine in the near future.

Carney stated that Canada’s recognition would depend on several conditions, including the holding of elections by the Palestinian Authority in 2026 without participation from Hamas, along with broader democratic reforms. He also called on Hamas to disarm, release all hostages, and refrain from participating in future governance.

The announcement comes amid growing international pressure on Israel to end its military campaign in Gaza, which began in October 2023. Since then, the Israeli military has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction to Gaza’s infrastructure, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

While leaders such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese voiced support for Palestinian statehood as a means to achieving a sustainable peace, others have expressed caution. Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the recognition moves, warning they could be seen as rewarding Hamas.