Ottawa joins growing global push for Palestinian statehood
The decision aligns Canada with a growing number of Western nations moving to respond to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and reframe the global approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Carney convened a special Cabinet meeting to deliberate on the crisis in Gaza, following recent discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who made a similar commitment earlier in the week. "The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable," Carney said. "Canada cannot remain a bystander. The international community must act to preserve the prospect of peace."
According to Carney, Canada's recognition will be conditional. The Palestinian Authority must commit to holding free and fair general elections in 2026, with Hamas excluded from participation, and begin a process of demilitarizing the future Palestinian state. "Much has to happen before a viable democratic state can be established," he acknowledged. "This will not be easy or immediate — but the alternative is continued despair and endless conflict."
The announcement comes amid mounting international outrage over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Global leaders face increasing domestic and diplomatic pressure as images of hunger and devastation continue to emerge. Carney said he had also spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron, whose government declared last week that France would become the first G7 nation to recognize Palestine this September.
The cascade of recognitions marks a notable shift in Western policy. Starmer warned on July 29 that the United Kingdom will move forward with recognition unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire, takes tangible steps to alleviate conditions in Gaza, and re-engages in meaningful peace efforts. "The window for a two-state solution is rapidly closing," Starmer said.
Carney echoed this concern, warning that developments on the ground — including ongoing Israeli settlements, land seizures, and civilian deaths — are making a negotiated resolution increasingly remote. "We must not allow the facts on the ground to harden into a permanent reality," he said. "Canada is working with like-minded nations to keep alive the only viable path to peace: two states living side by side in security and dignity."
Israel's current government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, firmly opposes the two-state solution, citing both nationalist and security concerns. In response, many Western nations are now bypassing Israel's consent and moving unilaterally toward recognizing Palestinian statehood.
Though largely symbolic in immediate effect, Canada's recognition will carry diplomatic weight. It follows the lead of more than 140 countries, including a growing number in Europe. France's announcement last week made it the first significant Western power — and the most prominent EU member — to formally endorse Palestinian statehood.
Canada has historically supported the idea of a Palestinian state existing peacefully alongside Israel, but has previously insisted that recognition should result from a negotiated settlement. Carney's decision signals that Ottawa now sees direct recognition as a tool to revive meaningful negotiations rather than waiting for them.
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