Is Canada about to redraw the map of the Middle East—politically, at least?
Prime Minister Mark Carney says yes, announcing plans to officially recognise a Palestinian state this September.
But there’s a catch. “This recognition hinges on democratic reforms,” Carney said, pointing to long-delayed elections and the exclusion of Hamas.
The move follows similar announcements by the UK and France, putting pressure on Israel—and possibly the U.S.—to reconsider their stances.
Why The Diplomatic Shift?
Carney pointed to the “intolerable” suffering in Gaza and expanding Israeli settlements.
“The prospect of a Palestinian state is being eroded before our eyes,” he warned.
Not everyone’s on board. Israel blasted the move as “a reward for Hamas.”
Canada’s Conservative opposition called it “the wrong message after October 7.”
Yet Carney insists it’s Canada’s decision alone.
“This approach is no longer tenable,” he said, adding that recognition must come with demilitarisation and governance reform.
With nearly 200 Canadian diplomats urging action and global momentum growing, the pressure is real.
But will it lead to peace—or more political fallout?
As Carney puts it: “We cannot wait for perfect conditions that may never come.”
Bold move or risky timing? The world will be watching this September.
