Canada to Recognize Palestine This September

On Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will officially recognize Palestine in September, following similar moves made by France and the UK.

This recognition will be made public at the upcoming UN General Assembly, signaling a shift in support toward Palestinian statehood. Carney emphasized Canada’s commitment to a two-state solution, where a sovereign Palestinian state coexists peacefully alongside Israel.

“Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution. An independent, viable, sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel is essential for peace and security. For decades, this desired outcome has been linked to a negotiated peace process between the Israeli government and the Palestinian authority.”

He outlined several reasons for this change in Canada’s policy towards recognizing Palestine:

• The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, where it was said that Palestinians under the control of militant groups cannot thrive.

• The Israeli government’s failure to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Gaza, resulting in restrictions on essential supplies.

• Ongoing construction in Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

• Recent Knesset decisions that suggest annexation of the West Bank.

Carney stated that while the October 7 attack should not be seen as a rationale for rewarding Palestine, it served as a wake-up call about the consequences of not having a Palestinian state. He argued that rather than weakening Hamas, the absence of a Palestinian state had given the group political legitimacy among Palestinians by positioning themselves as the only resistance to Israel.

“The severe suffering of civilians leaves no room for delays in coordinated international action for peace, security, and respect for human dignity. Upholding a two-state solution means supporting those who choose peace over violence, and acknowledging their right to peaceful coexistence.”

“Hence, Canada plans to recognize Palestine during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2025,” he added, stressing the need for Hamas to release all hostages involved in the October 7 terrorist attacks.

Former President Donald Trump swiftly condemned Carney’s decision, taking to Truth Social to express his disapproval.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded by rejecting Canada’s announcement, calling it a concession to Hamas that undermines efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“This change in the Canadian government’s stance rewards Hamas and complicates the framework for achieving a ceasefire and the release of hostages,” they stated in a message on social media.

Iddo Moed, the Canadian Ambassador to Israel, echoed these sentiments, asserting that Israel will not yield to international pressure. He expressed that recognizing a Palestinian state without responsible governance only legitimizes Hamas’s actions, ultimately punishing Palestinian victims of both Israel and Hamas.

“We cannot compromise our very existence by allowing a jihadist state to be imposed on our ancestral lands,” Moed remarked.

Canada’s announcement comes amidst increasing international criticism of Israel. Recently, President Trump acknowledged the urgent needs in Gaza, saying there are “a lot of hungry people” in the region.

When questioned about whether he aligns with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s views, Trump responded somewhat vaguely, stating, “I don’t know. From what I’ve seen, not particularly.” He added that observed sufferings among children cannot be dismissed.