Canada has formally recognised a Palestinian state, aligning itself with European allies and pushing ahead with a policy that has drawn criticism from US President Donald Trump.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office announced the move in a statement on Sunday, calling it a “coordinated 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 reflected in the United Nations Charter, and the consistent policy of Canada for generations,” according to the statement.
Carney is following through on a pledge he made in July to join allies, including France and the UK, in recognising Palestine. Australia and others are also expected to take the step against the backdrop of United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York starting this week, joining 147 of 193 member states that have already granted Palestinian statehood.
The Canadian Prime Minister won election earlier this year on a pledge to strengthen ties with European partners and reduce Canada’s security and economic dependence on the US. When Carney vowed to recognise Palestine in July, Trump said it would threaten Canada’s ability to reach a trade deal with his country.
Carney said at the time that the recognition was predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to reforms, including that elections be held in 2026 without the involvement of Hamas and that the state be demilitarised. The Palestinian Authority has provided those direct commitments to Canada and the international community, his office noted on Sunday.
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