Canada says it will recognize a Palestinian state in September, depending on democratic reforms, including the Palestinian Authority holding elections next year without Hamas.
Prime Minister Mark Carney cited the reasons for Canada’s shift in foreign policy as the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas.
BBC News says his remarks came a day after the UK announced it would recognise a Palestinian state in September – unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire and other conditions – and a week after France unveiled a similar plan.
Mr Carney’s announcement has since been criticised by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It said that Canada’s plan “harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages”.
