Ottawa, July 31, 2025 – The Europe Today: Canada has announced its conditional support for recognizing Palestine as an independent state, marking a significant shift in its foreign policy. The declaration was made by Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday, following a cabinet meeting heavily focused on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
According to media reports, Carney said Canada’s recognition would be formalized during the United Nations General Assembly in September, provided that the Palestinian Authority commits to a series of governance reforms — including holding national elections, excluding Hamas from the electoral process and government, and ensuring the future Palestinian state is demilitarized.
“I have received assurances from President Mahmoud Abbas that these conditions will be met,” Carney said on his official X account. “The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delaying coordinated international action to support peace, security, and the dignity of human life.”
The Canadian leader added that decades of pursuing a negotiated two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians had proven untenable, particularly amid the intensifying humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The situation has prompted increasing international condemnation, including from France and Britain, both of which have announced similar steps in recent weeks.
Health authorities in Gaza have reported a growing death toll from starvation, especially among children, which Carney blamed on Israel’s continued refusal to allow international organizations to manage aid distribution. “This is unacceptable,” he noted.
In response, Israel strongly condemned Canada’s position. Israeli Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed called the decision “a reward for terrorists,” warning that it would not lead to peace but instead compromise Israel’s security.
Carney’s conditions for recognition include:
- Palestinian Authority elections in 2026, the first since 2006;
- Exclusion of Hamas from the elections and any future Palestinian government;
- Demilitarization of the Palestinian state.
The announcement was preceded by a joint statement from 15 nations — including France, Ireland, and Australia — urging the international community to either recognize Palestine or positively consider doing so ahead of the UNGA session.
Canada also pledged financial support to assist with state-building efforts. Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced 10 million Canadian dollars (approximately USD 7.2 million) to help the Palestinian Authority lay the groundwork for independence, in addition to 30 million Canadian dollars in humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Carney confirmed that Canada is working closely with Jordan and other regional partners to ensure the effective delivery of aid in the coming days.
The decision has sparked domestic political debate. The Conservative Party, which strongly supports Israeli policy in Gaza, has voiced firm opposition. During the recent federal elections, the party vowed to crack down on pro-Palestinian demonstrations and back Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration.
Even within the ruling Liberal Party, opinions are divided between staunch supporters of Israel and those advocating for Palestinian statehood.
Carney’s government is also engaged in sensitive trade negotiations with the Trump administration in Washington, a relationship that could face further strain as a result of the recognition move. Failure to reach agreement could see tariffs imposed by Friday.
Nevertheless, Carney defended the decision as a necessary moral stance. “Canada has always stood for human dignity and international justice,” he said. “We cannot afford to be silent in the face of mounting human tragedy.”
