JAKARTA (TimesofIDN) – Canada will formally recognize Palestine as an independent state at the 80th UN General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced during a press conference on Wednesday (30/7). The decision aligns with Canada’s commitment to a two-state solution, envisioning a sovereign Palestine living in peace and security alongside Israel.
Speaking alongside Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Carney stated that the recognition is based on assurances from the Palestinian Authority to implement significant reforms.
“We will recognize the state of Palestine at the 80th UN General Assembly,” Carney said, as reported by CNN.
He noted that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has committed to holding elections in 2026 without Hamas’s involvement and pledged that Palestine will not militarize its state.
Canada’s move follows similar plans by France and the United Kingdom, which have signaled their intent to recognize Palestine in September if Israel fails to meet certain conditions, including a ceasefire in Gaza.
The decision comes amid global scrutiny of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly the famine exacerbated by Israel’s blockade of aid.
While supporting Palestine’s recognition, Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to Israel’s existence as a secure and independent state in the Middle East.
“The path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a stable Palestinian state that acknowledges Israel’s security rights,” he said.
Israel strongly condemned Canada’s decision. The Israeli Foreign Ministry labeled the move a “reward for Hamas” that could undermine ceasefire efforts and hostage release negotiations.
Israel’s Ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, also sharply criticized the decision, stating that Israel would not accept international pressure threatening its existence.
Previously, Canada, along with the United Kingdom, Norway, New Zealand, and Australia, imposed sanctions on two right-wing ministers in the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The move drew criticism from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who argued that the sanctions hinder U.S. efforts to secure a ceasefire and resolve the conflict.
