Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
Canada to recognize State of Palestine, urges reforms and peace
Ottawa — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada intends to officially recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly, marking a historic shift in the country’s foreign policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a heartfelt statement issued from Ottawa and obtained by The Nile Observer, Prime Minister Carney reaffirmed Canada’s longstanding support for a two-state solution, envisioning Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. However, he expressed deep concern that ongoing violence, growing settlements, and humanitarian suffering have “gravely eroded” prospects for peace.
“Regrettably, this approach is no longer tenable,” Carney stated, citing escalating settlement expansion, continued violence, and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. He explicitly condemned the threat of Hamas terrorism, including the attacks of October 7, 2023, and insisted that Hamas must be excluded from any future Palestinian government.
Carney’s announcement highlighted Canada’s conditions for formal recognition, including concrete governance reforms by the Palestinian Authority, commitment to upcoming democratic elections that exclude Hamas, and demilitarization of the future Palestinian state.
The statement emphasized, “Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence, honoring their innate desire for the peaceful coexistence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future.”
The Prime Minister stressed that Canada will remain a steadfast supporter of Israel’s right to exist in peace and security, while also stepping up humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians. Canada has already committed more than $340 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza, along with an additional $40 million in recent funding.
Carney called for renewed international cooperation to develop a credible peace plan, ensure governance and security for Palestine, and vastly expand humanitarian aid for those in desperate need.
“Canada will be a constructive partner in building a just, meaningful, and lasting peace in the region,” he said, expressing hope for a future where the dignity, security, and aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis can be realized.