Canada has formally acknowledged the State of Palestine in collaboration with global partners to uphold the possibility of a two-state resolution, as per a statement from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office released on Sunday morning. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated that Canada’s longstanding commitment to a two-state solution was based on the belief that this outcome would eventually be achieved through negotiations. However, this prospect has been significantly undermined by various recent events, including the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Israeli parliament’s endorsement of annexing the occupied West Bank, and the Israeli government’s constraints on humanitarian assistance.
The PMO condemned Hamas for its actions, accusing it of terrorizing Israelis, oppressing Gazans, and causing immense suffering. The statement emphasized that Hamas has exploited and deprived the Palestinian people of their rights and cannot dictate their future. Furthermore, it highlighted that the current Israeli administration is actively working to obstruct the establishment of a Palestinian state, with their declared policy being that “there will be no Palestinian state.”
Canada has expressed its commitment to aiding in creating a peaceful future for both Palestine and Israel. This announcement coincides with Carney’s upcoming meetings with global leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the United Kingdom and France are expected to follow Canada’s lead in recognizing the State of Palestine.
Carney had initially disclosed this decision in July, specifying that recognition was contingent on specific commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including governance reforms, upcoming general elections in 2026 excluding Hamas, and the demilitarization of the Palestinian state. The PMO affirmed that Canada will escalate its support to assist the Palestinian Authority in implementing these reforms, noting the progress already achieved.
The government’s stance reflects a strategic shift in Canada’s foreign policy priorities, aiming to contribute positively to the Middle East peace process.