Canada to Recognise Palestinian State at UN in September, Joining UK and France
- Canada will formally recognise Palestine as a state at the UN General Assembly in September, joining the UK and France in a growing international push for a two-state solution
- Prime Minister Mark Carney said the move reflects urgent humanitarian concerns and the erosion of prospects for peace in the region
- Israel condemned the decision as a “reward for Hamas,” while critics warned it risks legitimising terrorism amid ongoing hostage crises and conflict in Gaza
Don't miss out! Join Legit.ng's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that Canada will formally recognise Palestine as a state at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
The move aligns Canada with recent decisions by the United Kingdom and France, signalling a growing international push for renewed efforts toward a two-state solution in the Middle East.
Source: Twitter
Carney said the decision followed consultations with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and came in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delay in co-ordinated international action to support peace, security, and the dignity of all human life,” Carney stated.
Two-state solution under threat, says Carney
Canada has long supported the concept of an independent Palestinian state coexisting with Israel, but previously maintained that recognition should be the outcome of direct negotiations.
On Wednesday, Carney acknowledged that the viability of a two-state solution “has been steadily and gravely eroded.”
“Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism, and honouring their innate desire for the peaceful co-existence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future,” he said.
Recognition tied to Palestinian reforms
Carney emphasised that Canada’s recognition is conditional upon reforms by the Palestinian Authority. These include commitments by President Mahmoud Abbas to overhaul governance, hold general elections in 2026 excluding Hamas, and demilitarise the future Palestinian state.
“Hamas must also immediately release all hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks on Israel, disarm and play no role in the future governance of Palestine,” Carney reiterated.
He added that Canada remains committed to Israel’s right to exist in peace and security. “Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state, and one that recognizes Israel’s inalienable right to security and peace,” the prime minister said.
Israel condemns Canada’s decision
The Israeli Foreign Ministry swiftly denounced Canada’s announcement, calling it “a reward for Hamas.”
In a statement posted on social media, the ministry said, “Israel rejects the statement by the Prime Minister of Canada. The change in the position of the Canadian government at this time is a reward for Hamas and harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded to the announcement on his Truth Social platform, writing, “Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!”
UK and France lead European push
The United Kingdom and France both declared their intention to recognise Palestine earlier this month. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK would proceed unless Israel takes “substantive steps” to end the “appalling situation in Gaza,” including a ceasefire, halting annexation in the West Bank, and committing to a peace process.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the UK’s stance, stating on X, “Starmer rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism & punishes its victims.”
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Consistent with its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine. The urgent priority today is to end the war in Gaza and to bring relief to the civilian population.” Netanyahu responded that France’s decision “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became.”
Hostage families forum, recognition ‘rewards terrorism’
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing families of those abducted in Hamas’ October 7 attack, condemned the wave of recognitions.
“Recognizing a Palestinian state while 50 hostages remain trapped in Hamas tunnels amounts to rewarding terrorism,” the group said. “Such recognition is not a step toward peace, but rather a clear violation of international law and a dangerous moral and political failure that legitimizes horrific war crimes.”
Israel reported that 1,200 people were killed in the October 7 attacks, mostly civilians, and 251 were taken hostage. Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, including one abducted prior to the attack.
Source: Getty Images
Gaza crisis deepens amid calls for aid
According to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, more than 60,000 people have been killed in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, the majority of whom are women and children. The figures do not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.
Food security experts have warned that Gaza’s population faces imminent famine unless humanitarian aid is allowed to flow freely. Israel recently announced daily humanitarian pauses and airdrops to increase aid delivery.
More than 140 countries currently recognise a Palestinian state. However, the United States has not joined the initiative, maintaining its position that recognition should follow a negotiated peace agreement.
France to recognise Palestine after decades of conflict
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would formally recognise a Palestinian state in September, becoming the first nation within the Group of Seven (G7) industrialised countries to do so.
The declaration, posted Thursday on X, confirmed the official announcement will take place at a session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Source: Legit.ng
