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OTTAWA — Canada recognizes Palestinian statehood after joining the United Kingdom, Australia, Portugal, and France in formally acknowledging Palestine at the United Nations. Prime Minister Mark Carney defended the decision Monday, calling it “necessary,” while critics in Parliament denounced it as appeasement.
Canada’s travel advisory website now lists the region as “Israel and Palestine,” instead of “Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip.” Travel advice remains unchanged, urging Canadians to avoid non-essential visits. The British government also added a separate advisory for Palestine.
Global push for two-state solution
The announcement came as leaders gathered in New York for the UN General Assembly, where France and Saudi Arabia co-chaired a meeting to revive peace talks. More than 140 countries already recognize Palestinian statehood, though the Palestinians still lack full UN membership.
Carney argued recognition aligns with Canada’s long-standing support for a two-state solution. “The possibility of self-determination for the Palestinian peoples is being erased,” he said. “So we’re doing what we can.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand joined Carney at the UN, underscoring Ottawa’s demand for reforms from the Palestinian Authority, including elections and a demilitarized state. Canada insists Hamas can play no role in governing a future Palestine.
Israel and U.S. reject recognition
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the recognitions, calling them “an attempt to force a terror state in the heart of our land.” His government argues recognition rewards Hamas, whose October 7, 2023, attack triggered the ongoing Gaza war.
The Trump administration shares Israel’s view. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that recognition undermines ceasefire efforts and fails to secure the release of Israeli hostages. President Donald Trump is expected to address the issue in his UN speech Tuesday.
Heated debate in Ottawa
Conservative MP Shuvaloy Majumdar called the recognition “evil” and accused the Liberals of appeasing terrorism. He challenged the government to upload a map of Palestine’s borders and name its capital. He also demanded Canada list Palestine as a state sponsor of terror.
Government officials pushed back. “There is no military solution, only a political one,” said parliamentary secretary Rob Oliphant. “We will continue to defend Israel and the people of Palestine to ensure two states with equal justice.”
Canada recognizes Palestinian statehood as part of a broader international push to revive peace talks, but the move has intensified domestic political divisions while raising tensions with Israel and Washington.
