Canada to Recognize Palestine’ in Line with France and UK Decision.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada plans to recognise a Palestinian state in September, following the lead of the UK and France – other G7 nations. This decision comes with conditions, including Palestinian Authority holding democratic elections next year, excluding Hamas.

Carney’s statement comes as the Israeli government has rejected the move, terming it “a reward for Hamas”. However, 147 out of the UN’s 193 member states already recognise a Palestinian state.

In the announcement, Carney mentioned that Canada will formally recognise the state of Palestine during the upcoming UN General Assembly. He cited the expansion of Israeli settlements, the dire situation in Gaza, and the Hamas attack on Israel as reasons behind this shift in foreign policy.

Carney stressed that the recognition of Palestine’s statehood will depend on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to reform its governance and to demilitarise the territory.

Canada had always supported a two-state solution but believes that approach is no longer feasible. Carney’s announcement was made after discussing it with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Canada’s Conservatives expressed their criticism of Carney’s decision.

Mark Carney was under pressure to address the issue of Palestinian statehood after the UK and France declared their similar intentions. The US remains the only permanent member of the UN Security Council to not recognise a Palestinian state. Amidst this, the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate.