TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Canada announced on Wednesday that it will recognize Palestine as a state in September, amid an "unbearable" humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
"Canada intends to recognize Palestine at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2025," said Prime Minister Mark Carney in a press conference in Ottawa after leading a virtual meeting with his Cabinet, as quoted by Anadolu.
"Canada has long been committed to the two-state solution, an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security," he said.
However, Canada's recognition comes with conditions if the Palestinian West Bank government agrees to make specific commitments. As reported by CBC, the Prime Minister stated that the Palestinian Authority must hold general elections in 2026 and commit to other democratic reforms.
Foreign Minister Anita Anand and other Cabinet members will provide resources to support governance reforms in Palestine, and she stressed that the Palestinian group, Hamas, "should have no role in the future state."
She emphasized the importance of a demilitarized Palestinian state and a commitment to live peacefully alongside Israel.
Carney promised that "Canada will increase its efforts to support a strong democratic government in Palestine and its people's contributions to a more peaceful and hopeful future."
"Any path toward lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state," he said.
Carney also emphasized that "the level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable and its conditions are deteriorating rapidly."
"Canada condemns the fact that the government of Israel has allowed the situation in Gaza to deteriorate," he added.
He noted that the prospects of a two-state solution have gradually and severely eroded due to the accelerated illegal Israeli settlement building in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
This led to violence by illegal Israeli settlers and legislative measures such as the recent Knesset vote calling for the annexation of the occupied West Bank territory.
"In the coming days, we will intensify our efforts with international partners to develop a credible peace plan," Carney said, explaining that the plan would include a governance and security framework for Palestine and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
He said that the plan aims to support "a future that respects the dignity, security, and aspirations of all Palestinian and Israeli citizens."
When asked how the recognition would contribute to peace, Carney said it reinforces key principles, including hostage return and the demilitarization of the future state.
"We are part of a process that is striving for peace, which has strength in scope and numbers," he said, noting the involvement of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt.
Carney also announced an upcoming law that will make deliberately obstructing access to places of worship, schools, or community centers a criminal offense.
"Basic security is a fundamental human right that cannot be taken away," he added.
"Canada's supported two-state solution is built on the promise that Israeli and Palestinian citizens will live side by side peacefully and safely," he said.
Canada becomes the latest country planning to follow in the footsteps of France to recognize Palestine as a state next September. In addition to France, there are the United Kingdom and Malta.
Dewi Rina Cahyani also contributed to this report.
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