Canada announces it will recognize the State of Palestine in September, increasing international pressure on Israel.
Mark Carney's decision is motivated by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and follows in the footsteps of France and the United Kingdom.
247 - Amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that his government intends to officially recognize the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly, scheduled for September, Reuters reports. The Canadian decision follows recent steps taken by France and the United Kingdom, increasing international pressure on Israel.
Carney's statement came at a critical time, when worsening famine in the Palestinian enclave has generated global outrage. "The prospect of a Palestinian state is literally disappearing before our eyes," the prime minister said. He added: "Canada condemns the fact that the Israeli government has allowed a catastrophe to happen in Gaza."
The decision was harshly criticized by Israel and the United States, key allies in the genocide against the Palestinian people. The Israeli Foreign Ministry declared that the Canadian change of position "is a reward for Hamas and undermines efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of hostages."
US President Donald Trump also condemned the move. According to a White House source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Trump considers the recognition of Palestine an "unfair reward to Hamas."
Despite criticism, Canada joins a growing number of countries pointing to the need to return to the path of a two-state solution. French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke with Carney before the announcement, declared that the recognition of Palestine "will rekindle the prospect of peace in the region."
