Canada and Australia have joined the United Kingdom in formally recognising Palestinian statehood, even as Israel presses ahead with settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and intensifies its war on Gaza.
In a statement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the recognition of the State of Palestine, saying Canada “offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
Carney accused the Israeli government of working “methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established.”
“Recognising the State of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority, empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas. This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it,” he said.
He added that the Palestinian Authority had given Canada “direct commitments” to reform governance, hold general elections next year—excluding Hamas—and demilitarise the future Palestinian state.
At the same time, Australia also announced its decision to recognise Palestinian statehood.
