Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that the country will officially recognise the State of Palestine in September. With this, Canada becomes the third G7 nation to make such an announcement, after France and the United Kingdom.
Decision subject to conditions
Carney stated that recognition depends on the Palestinian Authority holding elections and Hamas staying out of the process. Reforms in Palestinian governance are also required.
Criticism from Israel and conservatives
Israel called the decision “a reward for Hamas.” Canadian conservatives also said that such recognition after the October 7 attacks sends the wrong message.
Shift in foreign policy
Carney cited the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank as reasons for Canada’s policy shift. “The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” he said.
International pressure increasing
Following the announcements from France and the UK, Canada also moved closer to recognition. Over 200 former Canadian diplomats sent an open letter to the prime minister urging him to recognise Palestine.
Out of 193 UN member states, 147 have already recognised Palestine. If Western countries formalise their stance, The US remains the only permanent member of the Security Council that has not recognized Palestine.
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