OTTAWA — Canada has formally recognized the State of Palestine, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Sunday, marking a historic shift in the country’s foreign policy and aligning it with more than 140 nations that have already taken the step.
“Since 1947, it has been the policy of every Canadian government to support a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East,” Carney said in a statement delivered in Ottawa. “This envisioned the creation of a sovereign, democratic, and viable State of Palestine building its future in peace and security alongside the State of Israel.”
The Prime Minister said Canada’s long-standing expectation that Palestinian statehood would emerge through negotiations has been undermined by events on the ground. He pointed to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, ongoing settlement construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and recent Israeli government policies that he said “methodically” erode the prospect of a Palestinian state.
“The current Israeli government has pursued an unrelenting policy of settlement expansion in the West Bank, which is illegal under international law,” Carney said. “Its sustained assault in Gaza has killed tens of thousands of civilians, displaced well over one million people, and caused a devastating and preventable famine.”
At the same time, Carney sharply condemned Hamas, describing it as an obstacle to peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. “It is imperative that Hamas release all hostages, fully disarm, and play no role in the future governance of Palestine,” he said. “Hamas has stolen from the Palestinian people, cheated them of their life and liberty, and can in no way dictate their future.”
Carney emphasized that recognition of Palestine does not compromise Canada’s relationship with Israel. “This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it,” he said. “Furthermore, it in no way compromises Canada’s steadfast support for the State of Israel, its people, and their security.”
The announcement includes conditions tied to governance reforms by the Palestinian Authority. Carney said the Authority has committed to holding general elections in 2026 without Hamas participation, pursuing demilitarization, and enacting broader reforms. Canada will provide support for implementing these measures and will work with international partners to bolster humanitarian aid flows into Gaza.
While recognition itself does not resolve decades of conflict, Carney framed the move as a bid to preserve the fading chance of a negotiated two-state solution. “Canada does so as part of a co-ordinated international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution,” he said. “We are under no illusions that this recognition is a panacea, but it is firmly aligned with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights.”
The decision is expected to spark both praise and criticism abroad. Supporters call it a necessary step to revive peace efforts, while critics warn it risks further straining relations with Israel.
The State of Palestine welcomed the move shown by Canada, UK and Australia. A statement on X reads, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomes and expresses gratitude to the countries that have recognized the State of Palestine, namely the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and considers these courageous decisions to be in line with international law and international legitimacy resolutions.”
In the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the country will ‘fight at the UN and in all other arenas’ against ‘false propaganda’ against Israel after the UK, Canada and Australia formally recognised the state of Palestine.
For Canada, it signals a new chapter in its Middle East policy — one that attempts to balance an enduring alliance with Israel against a renewed push for Palestinian statehood as part of a comprehensive peace.
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