Prime Minister Mark Carney made the call. It’s a big shift. Until now, Canada only supported Palestinian statehood as part of a peace deal with Israel. Now, it’s moving ahead on its own terms.
But there are conditions. The Palestinian Authority has to hold real elections in 2026. Hamas can’t run. All hostages must be freed. And any future Palestinian state has to be demilitarized. No progress on those points, no recognition.
Carney says the crisis in Gaza pushed Canada to act. People are starving. The violence isn’t slowing. He says waiting around for a perfect peace deal just isn’t working anymore.
This move follows a global push for the two-state solution. A big UN-backed summit in New York brought more than 125 countries on board. They want a demilitarized Palestine, a phased handover of control, and UN oversight. Canada’s announcement rides that wave.
At home, it’s a big turn. Just last year, Parliament watered down a similar proposal. Now, Canada’s ready to commit—if the rules are followed.
Foreign Minister Anita Anand added a $40 million support package: most of it for humanitarian aid, with $10 million to help set up elections and improve governance.
Israel didn’t hold back. Officials called the move dangerous, saying it helps Hamas and hurts ceasefire talks. The U.S., under Trump, also criticized it, sticking to its line that recognition should come only after a peace deal.
Canada’s not handing out recognition for free. The conditions are strict. The goal is to pressure both sides—push the Palestinians toward reform, and remind Israel that the world is watching.
It’s a gamble. But Canada is clearly tired of sitting on the sidelines. It’s drawing a line, putting up the money, and saying: get it done—or we’re out.
