Canada has become the latest nation to announce it will recognize Palestine as a state.
Prime Minister Mark Carney says the recognition will take place at September’s UN General Assembly.
“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 during a news conference on Wednesday.
“For decades, it was hoped that this outcome would be achieved as part of a peace process built around a negotiated settlement between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. Regrettably, this approach is no longer tenable.”
But the prime minister said the recognition will only happen if Palestine moves ahead with a number of terms.
That includes reforming its governance, holding general elections in 2026 “in which Hamas can play no part” and demilitarizing the Palestinian state — terms Carney said that Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas has committed to.
“The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable, and it’s rapidly deteriorating,” he said.
“International cooperation is essential to securing lasting peace and stability in the Middle East, and Canada will do its best to help lead that effort.”
Responding to Wednesday’s announcement, the Conservatives said they have long supported a two-state solution.
However, the party said recognizing a Palestinian state in the aftermath of the October 7 terrorist attack sends a message that violence and terror are “effective tools for achieving political objectives.”
“If the government recognizes the Palestinian state now, it is impossible that Hamas will not play a central role. Surely, Canadians cannot support validating Hamas with the status of government,” the Conservatives said in a statement.
“A unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood, without peace negotiations or a renunciation of violence, destroys the path to a durable, two-state solution. Worse, it legitimizes terrorism by handing political rewards to a group that rules Gaza through fear, oppression, and brutality.”
The federal government continues to call on Hamas to immediately release all hostages who were taken in the October 7 terrorist attack.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in on Canada’s intention to recognize Palestine as a state.
“That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
The president went on to say that the fastest way to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is for Hamas to surrender and release the hostages.
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