Canada follows France and UK with plan to recognise Palestinian state

The Canadian government has announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state, following similar decisions by France and the United Kingdom. However, this recognition is contingent on the Palestinian territories implementing democratic reforms and holding elections without the participation of Hamas. Mark Carney, Canada's Foreign Minister, stated that the recognition would be dependent on the Palestinian Authority's progress in establishing a democratic political system and holding free and fair elections. Carney emphasized the importance of ensuring that Hamas, which Canada considers a terrorist organization, is not involved in the electoral process. The move is seen as a diplomatic effort to support the two-state solution and encourage the Palestinian Authority to pursue democratic governance. It also reflects a growing international trend towards recognizing Palestinian statehood, despite ongoing tensions in the region. The article highlights the Canadian government's cautious approach, prioritizing democratic reforms and the exclusion of Hamas before granting formal recognition to a Palestinian state.