Toronto [Canada], July 31 (ANI): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that Canada will formally recognize the state of Palestine, reaffirming the country’s longstanding commitment to a two-state solution. Speaking to reporters alongside Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Carney emphasized Canada’s vision of an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state coexisting peacefully with Israel.
“Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution—an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security,” Carney said.
This move follows similar declarations by France, which plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September, and the United Kingdom, which has signaled it will do the same should Israel not meet specific conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.
“Canada intends to recognize the state of Palestine at the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations,” Carney announced, according to CNN. He noted that the decision is grounded in the Palestinian Authority’s recent commitment to critical reforms. Carney said President Mahmoud Abbas had assured him that the Palestinian administration would hold long-delayed elections in 2026, with Hamas excluded from participation.
“(Abbas) has also committed to not militarizing the state of Palestine,” Carney added.
Canada’s decision comes amid heightened global attention on the war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis fueled by Israel’s blockade on aid. Despite this, Carney reaffirmed Canada’s support for Israel’s sovereignty and security.
“Canada will always steadfastly support Israel’s existence as an independent state in the Middle East, living in peace and security,” he said. “Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state and one that recognizes Israel’s inalienable right to security.”
Carney’s statement followed a conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday, in which the two leaders discussed the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the UK’s position on Palestinian statehood. A readout from Carney’s office confirmed that the conversation included a review of the UK’s stance and the broader implications for regional peace. (ANI)
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