This announcement comes during the ongoing war in Gaza, where thousands of people are suffering due to violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Carney said this step will only happen if the Palestinian Authority holds fair elections without allowing Hamas to take part. He added that Canada wants to support peace and a two-state solution one country for Israelis and one for Palestinians to end the long conflict.

Carney criticized both the violence in Gaza and Israel’s continued building of settlements in the West Bank, saying it makes peace harder to achieve. He also said that Canada would make this move during a big UN meeting in September, along with countries like France and the UK, which also plan to recognize Palestine.

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Israel quickly condemned Canada’s decision, calling it “a reward for Hamas,” and Canada’s Conservative Party said the timing is wrong especially after the October 7 attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis.

Still, Carney stood firm, saying this is Canada’s decision alone, and not because of pressure from other countries. He also said he had spoken directly to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about the plan. But for Canada to follow through, the Palestinian leadership must promise reforms, like ending violence, fighting corruption, and improving how they govern.

According to health officials in Gaza, over 60,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict so far. Children are dying from hunger and malnutrition, with food and medical aid not reaching them due to the war.

With more countries recognizing Palestine, the pressure is growing on the United States, which still hasn’t made a decision. Many former Canadian diplomats have asked the government to act, saying the situation in Gaza is a humanitarian disaster.