Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday the country's intentions to recognize Palestinian statehood at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September.
"This intention is predicated by the Palestinian Authority's commitment to much-needed reforms," Carney said.
He explained that PA's President Mahmoud Abbas plans to reform its government, hold general elections in 2026, in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state.
"Canada will increase its efforts in supporting strong, democratic governance in Palestine and the contributions of its people to a more peaceful and hopeful future."
Carney continued, saying he spoke with Abbas and that "Canada reiterates that Hamas must immediately release all hostages taken in the horrific terror attack of October 7, and that Hamas must disarm."
"Canada will always steadfastly support Israel's existence as an independent state in the Middle East, living in peace and security," he assured.
However, Carney added that any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state.
Reactions to Canada's announcement
US President Donald Trump reacted to Canada's decision, adding that it could affect a trade deal between the two nations.
"Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a trade deal with them," Trump said.
A White House official said that Trump believes that recognizing Palestinian statehood would be rewarding the terrorist group Hamas, and he does not intend to do that.
“As the president stated, he would be rewarding Hamas if he recognizes a Palestinian state, and he doesn’t think they should be rewarded," a White House official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "So he is not going to do that. President Trump’s focus is on getting people fed (in Gaza).”
Following Carney's speech, Israel's Foreign Ministry said that it rejected Carney's statement. "The change in the position of the Canadian government at this time is a reward for Hamas and harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages," the ministry shared on X/Twitter.
The mayor of Hampstead, Quebec, Jeremy Levi, also responded, "Mark Carney has made his choice clear—reward terror with statehood. If he dares push for Canadian recognition of a Palestinian state in the aftermath of October 7, then Israel has every right—morally and strategically—to annex all of Gaza.
He further criticized, "You don’t negotiate with those who celebrated the massacre of civilians. You confront it with unshakable resolve."
Previous plans to recognize Palestinian state
Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognize a Palestinian state.
“True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” wrote Macron on X.
He added that the urgency stems from a need to end the war in Gaza and to provide aid to the civilian population.
"Peace is possible,” Macron said.
Additionally, both the United Kingdom and Malta announced plans to similarly recognize a Palestinian state.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued an ultimatum, telling the UK Cabinet that the decision would be approved in September unless the Israeli government takes "substantive steps to end the appalling situation in Gaza."
Israel must also make clear that there will be no annexation in the West Bank, Starmer added.