July 30, 2025
RED FM News Desk
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced during a press conference that Canada will formally recognize Palestine as an independent state, particularly in light of the devastation suffered by civilians in Gaza and the demand for the release of all hostages captured after the October 7 attack.
He stated that this recognition will take place during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, but emphasized that it is contingent on key reforms by the Palestinian Authority, including holding elections next year in which Hamas must not participate.
Carney made it clear that Canada will insist on the demilitarization of Hamas and secure guarantees that the future Palestinian state will remain non-militarized, along with the full release of all hostages currently held by Hamas. He affirmed Canada’s obligation to uphold human rights abroad and reiterated the country’s commitment to a two‑state solution.
This decision follows a cabinet meeting convened on Thursday, as well as similar declarations made earlier by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France. Carney pointed out that although Canada has consistently supported a two-state resolution, that outcome has been steadily and severely undermined.
He cited figures from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification indicating that over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in clashes with Israel, and described the crisis in Gaza as a famine. Earlier in the week, Canada pledged an additional CAD 30 million in humanitarian funding to assist Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Carney reaffirmed Canada’s intention to support strong, democratic governance in Palestine and to help build a future grounded in peace and hope. He acknowledged that much remains to be done before a democratic and viable Palestinian state can be realized.
The Palestinian Authority currently administers large areas of the West Bank through the Fatah party, while Hamas retains control over Gaza. Neither territory has held elections since 2006. According to the anti‑corruption think tank Aman Coalition, there are widespread public concerns about corruption in both governing bodies.
The Israeli ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, rejected Ottawa’s decision, stating that recognizing Palestine under these conditions rewards Hamas and undermines peace and hostage‑release efforts. The Conservative Party of Canada also condemned the move, arguing that declaring Palestinian statehood immediately after the October 7 attack sends the wrong message to the world.
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