Canada joins global momentum towards Palestinian state recognition
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Canada has announced plans to formally recognise the state of Palestine during the UN General Assembly in September, joining a growing international movement that signals increased momentum towards supporting Palestinian statehood.
The declaration, made by Prime Minister Mark Carney, follows a joint statement issued by France and 14 other nations, including several countries that have yet to recognise Palestine, in a coordinated effort to revive the two-state solution framework, The Guardian reported.
The announcement comes as several Western nations, including France and the United Kingdom, have indicated a readiness to formally recognise Palestinian statehood, while countries such as New Zealand and Australia have signed onto a declaration suggesting they may do so in the near future.
The joint declaration, published in New York by French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot, included countries like Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Portugal, and San Marino, all of which have not yet recognised Palestine, as well as Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain, which already have.
Canada’s recognition plan is conditional, as Carney has stated it will only proceed if the Palestinian Authority agrees to hold elections in 2026 in which the militant group Hamas is excluded and if other democratic reforms are implemented.
The Canadian prime minister also called for the disarmament of Hamas, the release of hostages, and the unification of Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, thereby underscoring the country’s alignment with international calls for democratic legitimacy and peaceful governance.
The announcement by Canada has provoked strong reactions from Israeli officials, who warned against what they see as the legitimisation of Hamas and accused the signatories of undermining Israel’s security. Israeli diplomats at the UN and in Canada condemned the declaration and Canada’s position, arguing that international recognition of Palestinian statehood without disarming Hamas could embolden terrorism and hinder regional stability.
Meanwhile, the United States is closely watching the developments, as former president Donald Trump criticised Canada’s plan and warned that it could affect ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.
Trump, who is currently seeking to impose a 35% tariff on Canadian imports not covered under existing agreements, suggested that Canada's recognition of Palestine might complicate the trade talks.