OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will formally recognize a Palestinian state in September, aligning with recent moves by the UK and France.

This makes Canada the third G7 country to declare such intentions. Carney said the decision hinges on key democratic reforms by the Palestinian Authority, including holding elections without Hamas participation.

The formal recognition is expected during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. Citing humanitarian concerns in Gaza, expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, Carney said the two-state approach is no longer viable. “The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable and rapidly deteriorating,” he stated.

Carney confirmed that he spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas before the announcement. He emphasized that recognition would require commitments from the Palestinian Authority to reform governance and demilitarise.

Israel’s foreign ministry condemned Canada’s decision, calling it “a reward for Hamas” and warned it would harm ceasefire efforts and hostage negotiations. Canada’s opposition Conservatives also criticized the move, saying it sends the wrong message following the October 7 attacks.

The announcement follows growing domestic and international pressure. Nearly 200 former Canadian diplomats recently urged the government to act, citing large-scale civilian suffering in Gaza and the West Bank.

Asked if the decision was influenced by France and the UK or the U.S., Carney responded that Canada makes its own foreign policy decisions.

Israel’s military response to the October 7 attack has resulted in over 60,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry. Meanwhile, 154 people, including 89 children, have reportedly died from malnutrition.

If the UK and France proceed with recognition, the U.S. will remain the only permanent UN Security Council member not to recognise a Palestinian state.