Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has declared that his country will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. This move would place Canada alongside a growing group of Western democracies supporting Palestinian statehood. France is leading the diplomatic push, with backing from countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Global Support for Palestine Grows

This decision follows the release of The New York Call — a joint declaration by 15 nations, including France, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The statement, published by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, confirmed that these countries either already recognise Palestine or are ready to do so.

So far, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain have officially recognised Palestine. Meanwhile, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, Andorra, Portugal, Luxembourg, and San Marino are now actively considering recognition.

French President Emmanuel Macron recently confirmed that France would recognise Palestine “in the near future.”

Carney Outlines Canada’s Conditions for Recognition

After announcing Canada’s intent, Prime Minister Carney clarified that recognition depends on certain conditions. He spoke after a cabinet meeting held virtually to discuss the Middle East.

“We will recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September if certain conditions are fulfilled,” Carney said.

He stated that the Palestinian Authority must hold democratic elections in 2026. These elections must not involve Hamas. In addition, the Palestinian Authority must commit to key governance reforms.

Carney also demanded that Hamas release all hostages, give up its weapons, and have no role in any future Palestinian government.

Israel Strongly Opposes International Pressure

Israel rejected Canada’s plan. Its ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, criticised the move and called it part of a “distorted campaign of international pressure.”

“We will not sacrifice our very existence by permitting the imposition of a jihadist state on our ancestral homeland that seeks our annihilation,” Moed said. He referred to Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007.

The statement comes at a time when international pressure on Israel is growing. Many countries are urging Israel to end its military operation in Gaza. That operation began in October 2023, after Hamas carried out an attack that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 250 hostages.

Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry claims that more than 60,000 people have died in the Israeli offensive.

UK, US, and Australia React

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also voiced support for recognition. On Tuesday, he said Britain would formally recognise Palestine in September unless Israel takes “substantive steps” — such as ending its assault on Gaza, agreeing to a ceasefire, and restarting the two-state peace process.

US President Donald Trump initially avoided taking a firm stand. He said, “I don’t mind [Starmer] taking a position. I’m looking for getting people fed right now.” However, later while flying on Air Force One, he criticised the recognition plan.

“You could make the case that you’re rewarding Hamas if you do that… And I’m not about to do that,” Trump said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered a more cautious view. He said his government was still reviewing the timing of recognition. He added that recognition should be used as a diplomatic tool to bring both sides back to negotiations.