Canada moves toward Palestine recognition amid Israeli blockade
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announces his intention to recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, undated (AFP)
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Tuesday that Canada is moving closer to recognizing the State of Palestine, citing the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and condemning the role of the Israeli government in allowing the crisis to unfold.
Speaking at a press conference in Ottawa following a Cabinet meeting, Carney stated, "The prospect of a Palestinian state is literally receding before our eyes," referring to widespread starvation in Gaza, adding that "Canada condemns the fact that the Israeli government has allowed a catastrophe to unfold in Gaza."
Carney’s remarks follow mounting international criticism of "Israel’s" restrictions on aid and its ongoing war in Gaza. A global hunger monitor has warned of an unfolding famine, and the Gaza health ministry reported seven more hunger-related deaths on Wednesday, including a two-year-old girl with a medical condition.
According to the Hamas-run government media office, "Israeli" forces killed at least 50 people in just three hours on Wednesday as they tried to reach UN aid trucks in the northern Gaza Strip.
Canada’s path to Palestine recognition
The Canadian recognition of Palestine announcement was framed around the Palestinian Authority’s stated readiness to reform and hold general elections in 2026, on the condition that Hamas "can play no part."
Carney indicated that Canada had received repeated assurances from the Palestinian Authority that it would strengthen its governance and move toward democratic accountability. The move aligns Canada with recent declarations from France and Britain, as Western states increasingly respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza with diplomatic measures.
However, both "Israel" and the United States swiftly rejected Carney’s statement, and the Israeli foreign ministry claimed that Canada’s position "rewards Hamas" and undermines ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire and secure the release of captives held in Gaza.
"The change in the position of the Canadian government at this time is a reward for Hamas and harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages," the ministry said.
Additionally, President Donald Trump also objected to the move, with a White House official stating that recognition of Palestine rewards Hamas and would not help end the conflict. US special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit "Israel" to discuss Gaza, while Trump has promised efforts to expand food distribution in the enclave.
Shifting diplomatic landscape
Since 2012, Palestine has held non-member observer status at the UN and is recognized by more than 75% of the 193 General Assembly members. Analysts like former US national intelligence officer Jonathan Panikoff described Canada’s recognition as mostly symbolic, though potentially damaging to its relationship with "Israel."
Meanwhile, "Israeli" leaders have hardened their positions. Security Cabinet member Zeev Elkin suggested annexing parts of Gaza, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the reestablishment of settlements, describing Gaza as “an inseparable part of the Land of Israel.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed opposition to Palestinian statehood, insisting that even in peace, security control must remain with "Israel."
14 nations follow France's lead in push to recognize Palestinian state
On a related note, it's worth highlighting that France, along with 14 other countries, signed a declaration on Wednesday suggesting a potential wave of future recognitions of Palestinian statehood.
The declaration, known as the New York Call and published by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, emphasizes that the signatories have either already recognized Palestine or are positively considering such recognition, such as Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. France's President Emmanuel Macron recently confirmed that recognition would come "in the near future."
The declaration includes both countries that have already recognized Palestine and others that may do so soon based on the "two-state solution".
Among the signatories that have not yet extended formal recognition are Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Portugal, and San Marino. Countries that have already recognized Palestine include Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain.
