Canada is planning to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, the country’s prime minister has said.
Mark Carney told reporters that the planned move is dependent on certain conditions – including that the Palestinian Authority commits to fundamentally reforming its governance and to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part.
Mr Carney said he spoke with Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, on Wednesday.
The Canadian prime minister also said he “condemns the fact Israel has allowed a catastrophe to unfold in Gaza”.
It comes after the British government said it will officially recognise Palestine as a state in September – unless Israel meets certain conditions.
Following an emergency cabinet meeting on Gaza, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made the announcement on Tuesday after a meeting with US President Donald Trump the previous day.
Some 38 members of the House of Lords, including some of the UK’s most eminent lawyers, have since written to the attorney general to say that recognising a Palestinian state could be a breach of international law, The Times has reported.
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They have said the territory may not meet the criteria for statehood under the Montevideo Convention, a treaty signed in 1933.
The British prime minister’s announcement came less than a week after French President Emmanuel Macron said France will recognise a Palestinian state in September, making it the first G7 nation to do so.
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Meanwhile, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed Sir Keir had spoken to Mr Carney over the phone on Tuesday.
The spokesperson said: “They discussed the grave situation in the Middle East and last night’s action by the United States to tackle the severe threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme.
“Both reiterated their support for a diplomatic solution and agreed that Iran must come back to the negotiating table with the United States as soon as possible.
“They looked forward to continuing their discussions at NATO this week.”
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