Canada plans to recognize the state of Palestine at the next session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Parliament Hill Wednesday.
Carney made the comments alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, 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 laid out a series of conditions for the Palestinian Authority, saying Canada’s recognition of statehood is predicated on the terms, which include governance reforms, holding general elections in 2026 “in which Hamas can play no part,” and a commitment to demilitarization.
He said while Canada has “long been committed” to a two-state solution, one is “no longer tenable.”
“Prospects for a two-state solution have been steadily and gravely eroded, including by the pervasive threat of Hamas terrorism to Israel and its people, culminating in the heinous attack Oct. 7, 2023, the terrorist organization Hamas’ longstanding violent rejection of Israel’s right to exist, its rejection of a two-state solution.”
Carney also pointed to “the ongoing failure of the Israeli government to prevent the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza, with impeded access to food and other essential humanitarian supplies.”
“The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delaying coordinated international action to support peace, security and the dignity of human life,” Carney said.
Ottawa released a statement shortly after the announcement, saying Carney and Macron have agreed to work together, along with the U.K., Germany and other allies towards promoting “peace and stability in the region.”
Israel’s foreign ministry said it rejected Carney’s announcement.
“The change in the position of the Canadian government at this time is a reward for Hamas and harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages,” the statement said.
Israeli Ambassador Iddo Moed said in a statement that his country rejected Canada’s endorsement of Palestinian statehood.
“Israel will not bow to the distorted campaign of international pressure against it,” Moed said. “We will not sacrifice our very existence by permitting the imposition of a jihadist state on our ancestral homeland that seeks our annihilation.”
Moed called Israel “an active partner in humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza,” claiming in the last week, they have provided 600 trucks and 70 airdropped pallets.
Moed said there’s communication between Israel and all levels of Canadian government, and that “a solid relationship is there.”
“But I can tell you that something in the trust is breaking right now,” he said. “Canada is taking a move knowing that Israel will not accept this, will reject it, and knowing very well that this is actually contrary to Israel’s interests.”
The Conservative Party of Canada criticized Carney’s announcement, saying it was the “wrong message” to send to the world, and “that violence and terror are effective tools for achieving political objectives.”
The Conservatives also blamed Hamas for launching an “unprovoked and barbaric attack on Israel,” and “using innocent Palestinians as human shields.”
“A unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood, without peace negotiations or a renunciation of violence, destroys the path to a durable, two-state solution,” the statement read. “Worse, it legitimizes terrorism by handing political rewards to a group that rules Gaza through fear, oppression, and brutality.”
The announcement follows similar moves by Canada’s allies. French President Emmanuel Macron said last week his country will recognize a Palestinian state in September. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued an ultimatum Tuesday that his country would do the same if Israel doesn’t agree to a ceasefire.
Starmer also said he wants to see Israel allow aid into Gaza and commit to a peace process, and laid out a series of conditions for Hamas.
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.”