By Ben Kelly
Deputy News Director
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has formally announced his country's recognition of a Palestinian state.
In a statement, Carney offered "to work in partnership to carry forward the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel. Canada sees this as part of a concerted international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution."
The U.K. and Australia have also recognized a Palestinian state today, as part of a wider international push.
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Canadian PM Mark Carney's Statement in Full
Since 1947, all Canadian governments have supported a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East. This policy envisioned the creation of a sovereign, democratic, and viable State of Palestine, building its future side by side with the State of Israel, in peace and security.
For several decades, Canada believed in this objective, expecting that there would eventually be a negotiated settlement. Unfortunately, this possibility has gradually been compromised, to the point of becoming almost unthinkable, in particular for the following reasons:
- the ever-present threat posed by Hamas terrorism to Israel and its people, culminating in a heinous terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, and Hamas's long-standing and violent rejection of Israel's right to exist and a two-state solution.
- the accelerated construction of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and, meanwhile, the rise in settler violence against Palestinians.
- certain measures such as the E1 settlement project and the Knesset vote this year calling for the annexation of the West Bank.
- the Israeli government's participation in the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, including by preventing access to food and other essential humanitarian items.
Hamas has terrorized the Israeli people and oppressed the people of Gaza, causing horrific suffering. Hamas must release all hostages, disarm completely, and play no role in the future governance of Palestine. Hamas has robbed the Palestinian people, deprived them of their lives and freedom, and cannot dictate their future.
The current Israeli government is methodically taking steps to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. It is relentlessly pursuing the expansion of West Bank settlements, which is illegal under international law. Its continued aggression against Gaza has killed tens of thousands of civilians, displaced over a million people, and caused a devastating famine that could have been avoided and constitutes a violation of international law. The current Israeli government now loudly maintains that "there will be no State of Palestine."
It is in this context that Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers to work in partnership to carry forward the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel. Canada sees this as part of a concerted international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution. Canada is under no illusion that this recognition is not a panacea. However, it is fully consistent with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and with the policies advocated by Canada for generations.
Recognition of a State of Palestine led by the Palestinian Authority provides additional tools to those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas. It does not legitimize or condone terrorism. Moreover, it in no way compromises Canada's unwavering support for the State of Israel, its people, and its security—security that can only be guaranteed through the achievement of a comprehensive two-state solution.
The Palestinian Authority has engaged directly with Canada and the international community to undertake essential reforms, including comprehensive governance reforms, holding general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no role, and demilitarizing the Palestinian state. Canada will intensify its efforts to assist the Palestinian Authority in implementing its reform agenda, for which progress has already been noted. Together with its international partners, Canada supports the development of a credible peace plan for Palestine and promotes democratic governance and clear measures to ensure its security, as well as the sustained and large-scale delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.
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