Canada poised to recognize Palestinian state at UN Assembly

Canada is considering officially recognizing Palestine as a state, joining France and the United Kingdom in a growing wave of diplomatic support amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that Canada may move forward with recognition at the United Nations General Assembly this September. Carney described the situation in Gaza as “unbearable” and said the decision hinges on several conditions.

“These include fundamental reforms by the Palestinian Authority, general elections in 2026 that exclude Hamas, and a commitment to denuclearization,” Carney said.

France recently declared its intention to recognize Palestine, while the UK has threatened to do the same if Israel does not meet certain conditions. About 150 of the UN’s 193 member states have already recognized Palestine.

Pressure on Canada has mounted in recent days. Nearly 200 former Canadian diplomats and ambassadors penned a letter urging the government to act, citing Israeli actions in the West Bank and Gaza as damaging to Canadian interests and values.

Canada’s potential recognition marks a significant development in international efforts to address the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.