Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will recognize Palestine as a sovereign state during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September.
Carney announced the decision on Wednesday after speaking with Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority.
“Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution — an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security,” Carney said.
“For decades, it was hoped that this outcome would be achieved as part of a peace process built around a negotiated settlement between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.
Carney condemned the Knesset’s call for the annexation of the West Bank and the starvation crisis in Gaza.
“This intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reforms, including the commitments by Palestinian Authority President Abbas to fundamentally reform its governance, to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state.
“Canada will increase its efforts in supporting strong, democratic governance in Palestine and the contributions of its people to a more peaceful and hopeful future.”
Carney said Canada has already committed over $340 million in aid to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including $30 million in new funding to help address the needs of Palestinian civilians, and $10 million to support the Palestinian Authority’s role in stabilising and governing the West Bank.
He reiterated that Hamas must immediately release all hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack.
Israel’s foreign ministry rejected Canada’s announcement, calling it “a reward for Hamas”.