Canada officially recognizes the State of Palestine: Carney announces the decision and conditions it on Palestinian reforms

Ottawa – Arab Canada News

Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced today, September 21, 2025, that Canada officially recognizes the State of Palestine, in a move considered a significant diplomatic shift, with an official rejection of Israel, and support for efforts to establish a two-state solution. 

The official statement said that the recognition comes after the “Palestinian Authority made direct commitments” including holding general elections in 2026 in which Hamas will not participate, implementing governance reforms, as well as a commitment to dismantle the military aspect of the Palestinian state to be a peaceful state. 

Carney confirmed that the recognition does not mean a reward for acts of violence or terrorism, nor did he indicate that the recognition cancels Israel’s right to security, but it is seen as support for coexistence and the pursuit of a just and lasting peace. 

Prime Minister Carney’s Statement on Canada’s Recognition of the State of Palestine

September 21, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario

“Since 1947, it has been the policy of all Canadian governments to support a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East. This solution envisioned the establishment of a sovereign, democratic, and viable State of Palestine, building its future in peace and security alongside the State of Israel.

For many decades, Canada’s commitment to this goal was based on the expectation that it would ultimately be achieved through a negotiated settlement. Unfortunately, this possibility has continuously and dangerously eroded due to:

The ongoing threat of terrorism posed by Hamas to Israel and its people, culminating in the heinous terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, alongside Hamas’s violent and persistent rejection of Israel’s right to exist and the two-state solution.
The rapid expansion of settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, at a time when settler violence against Palestinians has increased.
Steps such as the E1 settlement plan and this year’s Knesset vote calling for the annexation of the West Bank.
The Israeli government’s contribution to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, including obstructing the delivery of food and other essential humanitarian supplies.

Hamas has terrorized the people of Israel and oppressed the people of Gaza, causing horrific suffering. It is essential that Hamas release all hostages, fully disarm, and have no role in the future governance of Palestine. Hamas has stolen from the Palestinian people, deprived them of their lives and freedom, and cannot in any way determine their future.

The current Israeli government is systematically preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state. It pursues an uncompromising policy based on expanding settlements in the West Bank, which is illegal under international law. Its ongoing assault on Gaza has killed tens of thousands of civilians, displaced over a million people, and caused a devastating famine that could have been avoided, in violation of international law. It is now official Israeli government policy that “there will be no Palestinian state.”

In this context, Canada recognizes the State of Palestine and offers its partnership in building a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel. Canada does this as part of a coordinated international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution. We do not believe this recognition is a magic cure, but it strongly aligns with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights enshrined in the United Nations Charter, and with Canada’s longstanding policy across generations.

Recognition of the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those seeking peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas. It does not legitimize terrorism nor reward it in any way. Nor does it in any way diminish Canada’s steadfast support for the State of Israel, its people, and their security – security that ultimately can only be guaranteed through achieving a comprehensive two-state solution.

The Palestinian Authority has made direct commitments to Canada and the international community regarding the necessary reforms, including fundamental governance reform, holding general elections in 2026 with no role for Hamas, and disarmament. Canada will intensify its efforts to support the Palestinian Authority’s implementation of this reform agenda, in which progress has already been made. Together with our international partners, Canada will support establishing a credible peace plan, democratic governance, clear security arrangements for Palestine, as well as delivering substantial and regular humanitarian aid to Gaza and within it.”