Canada, Malta Join UK, France to Recognize Palestine as a State
A Push for Peace—and Pressure on Israel
This move follows earlier announcements from France and the UK, both of whom are also set to recognize Palestine. It's all part of a renewed international push to pressure Israel to halt its military campaign in Gaza, which has caused widespread suffering, and stop settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Canada Calls for Elections, Rejects Hamas
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the decision aligns with Canada's support for a two-state solution, but he didn't hold back on conditions. Canada wants to see democratic reforms from the Palestinian Authority—including elections in 2026 without Hamas on the ballot.
'We want lasting peace, but we also want to support real democratic governance,' Carney said.
Malta's Longtime Support Gets Formal
Over at the UN conference on the two-state solution, Malta's Christopher Cutajar made the country's stance clear: it's time to turn the two-state idea into something real. Malta has consistently backed Palestinian sovereignty and self-determination.
Growing Global Support
Once France finalizes its move, it'll be the first G7 nation and the first permanent UN Security Council member to recognize Palestine. Currently, 147 UN member states, including 10 EU countries, already do.
Recognition means backing Palestine's sovereignty based on its pre-1967 borders —covering the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, Israel and the US boycotted the UN conference, continuing to reject the two-state plan.
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