Ottawa/CMEDIA: Canada reportedly plans to recognize the state of Palestine at the next session of the United Nations General Assembly in Sept, Canada’s PM Mark Carney announced on Parliament Hill Wednesday.
Following a meeting of his cabinet to discuss the state of trade negotiations with the U.S. and the situation in the Middle East, Carney made the above comments alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand.
Laying out a series of conditions for the Palestinian Authority, Carney said Canada’s recognition of statehood is predicated on the terms, included governance reforms, holding general elections in 2026 and a commitment to demilitarization.
The demilitarization of Palestine and the release of all Hamas hostages was imperative to make this work, Carney said and added,
“Hamas cannot play any role in the future state,” he said.
While Canada has “long been committed” to a two-state solution, one is “no longer tenable.”
“Prospects for a two-state solution…gravely eroded, including by the…threat of Hamas terrorism to Israel and its people…the heinous attack Oct. 7, 2023…Hamas’ long standing violent rejection of Israel’s right to exist, its rejection of a two-state solution,” said Carney.
Carney also pointed to “the ongoing failure of the Israeli government to prevent the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza…deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delaying coordinated international action to support peace, security and the dignity of human life,” Carney said.
Carney said in a statement released Wednesday night that he spoke with Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, saying Canada’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state is “predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reforms.”
Canada’s recognition of the Palestine state, said Carney rested on the fact of multiple nations participating in the decision.
Carney also gave a brief update on the state of negotiations with the United States, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s deadline to reach a new trade deal, or face higher tariffs, fast approaches.
“As you know, we’re seeking the best deal for Canadians,” Carney said. “We have not yet reached that deal. Negotiations will continue until we do.”
