In a significant shift in foreign policy, Prime Minister Mark Carney has declared that Canada intends to recognize the state of Palestine in September 2023. This positions Canada as the third G7 nation to make such an announcement, following similar declarations from the UK and France. Carney emphasized that this recognition will be contingent upon democratic reforms within the Palestinian Authority, including the holding of elections in 2026 without the involvement of Hamas.
Canada Joins G7 Allies in Recognizing Palestinian State
Canada Joins G7 Allies in Recognizing Palestinian State
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney announces plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state amid ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza.
Carney's announcement comes in the backdrop of deteriorating conditions in Gaza, particularly following the recent conflict sparked by Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides. He stated that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is "intolerable" and highlighted the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as a troubling factor justifying this policy change.
While 147 nations globally recognize Palestinian statehood, Israel's foreign ministry condemned Canada's decision, characterizing it as a "reward for Hamas." Critics in Canada, including opposition party members, voiced concerns that this recognition could undermine peace efforts in the region, especially in light of the ongoing conflict and hostilities.
Calls from former Canadian diplomats advocating for the recognition have intensified, underlining alleged violations of Canadian values stemming from Israel's military actions in Palestinian territories. Carney reiterated Canada’s commitment to self-determination for Palestinians but insisted that the decision to recognize a state was made independently of other nations.
Spain and Norway, among others, have indicated their support for Palestinian statehood, marking a growing consensus in the international community, while the U.S. remains the only permanent member of the UN Security Council yet to support such recognition directly. As Canada navigates its new foreign policy approach, the focus remains on ensuring that future governance structures within Palestine are democratic and non-violent, potentially reshaping the landscape of international relations in the region.
While 147 nations globally recognize Palestinian statehood, Israel's foreign ministry condemned Canada's decision, characterizing it as a "reward for Hamas." Critics in Canada, including opposition party members, voiced concerns that this recognition could undermine peace efforts in the region, especially in light of the ongoing conflict and hostilities.
Calls from former Canadian diplomats advocating for the recognition have intensified, underlining alleged violations of Canadian values stemming from Israel's military actions in Palestinian territories. Carney reiterated Canada’s commitment to self-determination for Palestinians but insisted that the decision to recognize a state was made independently of other nations.
Spain and Norway, among others, have indicated their support for Palestinian statehood, marking a growing consensus in the international community, while the U.S. remains the only permanent member of the UN Security Council yet to support such recognition directly. As Canada navigates its new foreign policy approach, the focus remains on ensuring that future governance structures within Palestine are democratic and non-violent, potentially reshaping the landscape of international relations in the region.
