Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his nation will recognize a Palestinian state in September, mirroring decisions by Britain and France in the past week.
July 30 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday his nation will recognize a Palestinian state in September, mirroring decisions by Britain and France in the past week.
Israel has consistently rejected the two-state solution of separate Israel and Palestinian states. And the nation’s strong ally, the United States, has opposed the recognition.
This position comes as government ministers from more than 100 countries on Monday and Tuesday gathered at the United Nations to consider a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. In December 2024, the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution backing two states.
Concern has been heightened because an Israel blockade has led to widespread famine on the Gaza Strip as the Hamas-run Health Ministry said Tuesday the death toll has passed 60,000, mostly civilians.
«Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism, and honoring their innate desire for the peaceful co-existence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future», Carney said during a news conference.
He said the Palestinian Authority must conduct an election in 2026, as well as commit to other democratic reforms.
This is achievable, Mona Abuamara, the former chief representative of the Palestinian General Delegation to Canada, told CBC’s Power & Politics.
«The Palestinian people have been living hell for two years», she said. «They know what they want. They need the opportunity to actually build their own state.»
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Tuesday they will recognize a Palestinian state if Israel doesn’t agree to a cease-fire by September. French President Emmanuel Macron didn’t stipulate conditions Thursday that would be deal breakers.
Carney said he has spoken to both leaders in the past few days.
«In our judgment, and the judgment of others, the prospect of a Palestinian state is literally receding before our eyes», Carney said.
