Canada Prepares to Officially Recognize Palestine Amid Shifting International Diplomatic Strategies
In a significant move within the global diplomatic arena, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the government's intention to officially recognize Palestine as an independent state by September of this year, just ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session.
This development marks a notable pivot in Canada's stance on Palestinian issues, as previous governments had refrained from formal recognition.
Carney made this declaration during a special cabinet meeting in Ottawa, highlighting its importance on the international stage, according to Politico.
The recognition is expected to be contingent upon reforms within the Palestinian Authority, notably holding general elections scheduled for 2026.
The Canadian authorities emphasized that under these conditions, the militant group Hamas would be excluded from participating.
This move is viewed as a response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, driven by ongoing conflicts between Israel and Palestinian factions.
Minister Carney stressed that delaying action was no longer tenable given the severe suffering of civilians in the region.
He called upon the global community to coordinate efforts aimed at halting the humanitarian disaster, asserting that peace, security, and human dignity must be prioritized worldwide.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Foreign Ministry criticized Canada's intentions, characterizing them as a 'reward for Hamas' and an undermining of efforts toward ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza.
The stance expressed by Ottawa aligns with similar signals from France and the United Kingdom, both of which have articulated readiness to recognize Palestine under specific political conditions, signaling a potential shift in international policy that could influence future negotiations in the Middle East.