Canada to Recognise Palestine, Despite US Opposition
Canada has become the latest country to announce its intention to recognise Palestine as a state, following similar decisions by France and the United Kingdom. This move, however, has been met with strong opposition from the United States, with President Donald Trump threatening to impose commercial sanctions.
Background and Context
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that Canada plans to formally recognise Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September. This decision comes after a virtual cabinet meeting on the Middle East, and follows a similar path taken by France and the UK earlier this month.
Carney stated that Canada's decision was based on a pledge by the Palestinian Authority to hold general elections excluding Hamas and the commitment that the Palestinian state would be demilitarised. He added that Ottawa had hoped that a two-state solution could be achieved through a negotiated peace process, but that approach was “no longer tenable”.
Trump's Trade Threat
The announcement strained relations with the United States, with President Trump tweeting: This will make it very difficult for us to conclude a commercial deal with them
. The US and Canada are currently in the process of negotiating a trade deal by August 1, with Trump threatening a 35% tariff on Canada following its announcement to acknowledge Palestine.
Global Reactions
The international community has had mixed responses to this wave of recognitions. Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas welcomed Canada's historic
move, which he anticipates will enhance peace, stability, and security in the region
.
On the other hand, Israel, a key ally of the United States, rejected the decision, echoing the sentiment expressed by the US President.
Current Status
With this move, Canada joins France, the UK and 14 other countries who have co-signed a declaration that suggests a wave of future recognitions of an independent Palestinian state. This comes amid ongoing tension in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader Middle East.
Despite the threats of commercial sanctions from the United States, Canada remains firm in its decision to recognise Palestine. It remains to be seen how this will impact the ongoing negotiations for a trade deal between the two countries.