Ottawa — Canada has formally recognized a Palestinian state, a move announced on Sunday that aligns the country with a growing coalition of European allies and puts it at odds with US President Donald Trump. The announcement from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office stated that the decision is part of a “co-ordinated international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution.”
“While Canada is under no illusions that this recognition is a panacea, this recognition is firmly aligned with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights,” the statement said, noting that the move reflects Canada’s consistent policy for generations.
Prime Minister Carney, who won the election earlier this year on a platform of strengthening European ties and reducing Canada’s dependence on the US, is following through on a pledge he made in July to join allies like France and the UK in recognizing Palestine. Other nations, including Australia, are also expected to take a similar step this week, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York. The move brings the total number of UN member states recognizing Palestine to 148 out of 193.
A Divisive Policy and Diplomatic Efforts
The policy has drawn criticism from President Trump, who warned in July that it would jeopardize Canada’s ability to secure a trade deal with the US. Despite this, a Canadian official told reporters that the government has had “many exchanges” with the US and believes the policy is “well understood” by the American administration. The official emphasized that both countries share the overall objective of peace in the Middle East.
On the other side of the conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted with fury to the recent recognitions from the UK and other nations, arguing that the move “rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism.” Netanyahu stated that Israel must fight against “false propaganda” at the UN and other international forums, warning that a Palestinian state would “endanger its existence.”
Commitments and Context
Carney’s office clarified that the recognition is predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to reforms, including holding elections in 2026 without the involvement of Hamas and a demilitarization of the state. The Palestinian Authority has provided direct commitments to these conditions.
The Canadian statement also highlighted several factors that have severely undermined the potential for a two-state solution, including the expansion of Israeli settlements, violence against Palestinians, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The statement reaffirmed Canada’s “unwavering support for Israel’s security,” noting that it can only be guaranteed through a comprehensive peace agreement.
The international push for recognition is being led by French President Emmanuel Macron, who is set to co-chair a conference on a two-state solution in New York. However, the effort has faced a setback with the decisions of Japan and Germany not to recognize the state at this time.