US President Donald Trump has expressed concerns about the challenges of finalizing a trade deal with Canada, following the recent announcement that Canada intends to support Palestinian statehood.
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In a statement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed that Canada plans to recognize the State of Palestine at an upcoming United Nations meeting in September. “This is a significant step in our commitment to international law and the pursuit of peace,” he remarked.
Canada’s decision aligns with similar announcements from France and the United Kingdom, both of which have declared their intent to recognize Palestinian statehood. Additionally, Portugal has indicated it is contemplating recognition in September. Notably, Ireland formally recognized the State of Palestine last year, highlighted by then-Taoiseach Simon Harris as “an act of powerful, political, and symbolic value.”
Canada’s Recognition of Palestine
Canada plans to recognize Palestine officially in September.
Both Canada and the US are currently engaged in negotiations for a new trade deal, with a looming deadline of August 1. President Trump has warned of the possibility of imposing a 35% tariff on Canadian goods not covered by the existing US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Mr. Carney described the discussions with the Trump administration as “constructive,” albeit possibly insufficient to meet the deadline.
In response to Canada’s announcement, Israel characterized it as part of a “distorted campaign of international pressure.” When asked about the potential for Canada to alter its stance prior to the UN meeting, Mr. Carney stated, “There’s a scenario where that could happen, but it’s one I find difficult to imagine.”
Mr. Carney clarified that Canada’s decision is contingent upon the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to necessary reforms, referring specifically to the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, who governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. “Mr. Abbas has pledged to hold general elections in 2026 without the involvement of Hamas and to demilitarize the anticipated Palestinian state,” Carney added.
Israel’s Response
Following this announcement, Israel’s embassy in Ottawa asserted, “Recognizing a Palestinian state absent accountable governance, functioning institutions, or benevolent leadership only legitimizes the horrific actions of Hamas, particularly following the events of October 7, 2023.” Meanwhile, Mr. Abbas praised the decision as “historic,” and France expressed its desire to collaborate with Canada to rejuvenate peace efforts in the region.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also announced that the UK would formally recognize the State of Palestine in September, contingent upon Israel taking “substantive steps,” including establishing a ceasefire in Gaza.
Commitment to Peace
Prime Minister Carney emphasized Canada’s long-standing commitment to achieving a two-state solution as part of a negotiated peace process between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. “Regrettably, this approach is becoming increasingly untenable,” he lamented, citing the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem as a contributing factor.
He further noted that the two-state solution appears more elusive every day, especially with recent votes in the Israeli parliament advocating for the annexation of the West Bank and the Israeli government’s failure to prevent the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
