Canada’s recognition of Palestine as a state welcomed, but prompts more questions
Prime Minister Carney announced this week that Canada would recognize a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly. The following is the statement of The United Church of Canada in response:
Statement on Canada’s Recognition of a Palestinian State
Prime Minister Carney’s declaration on July 30, 2025, that Canada will issue a conditional recognition of a Palestinian state in September 2025 is welcome.
Alas, good intentions. More words. And still, so many questions, starting with why.
Why does Canada fail to address the immediate priority to end the Israeli government’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank and East Jerusalem?
In a letter to the Prime Minister just one day earlier on July 29, Canadian churches and organizations again called on Canada to take immediate steps to “use all economic, diplomatic, and political tools available” to:
- secure an immediate, sustained ceasefire;
- ensure food, water, fuel, and humanitarian aid are delivered unhindered;
- achieve the release of all captives, both Israeli and Palestinian;
- impose a comprehensive, two-way arms embargo on Israel, including closing loopholes such as exports via the U.S.; and
- end Israel’s military occupation and annexation of Palestine, paving the way for a just peace.
Canadians have a right to know the immediate steps the Canadian government will take to uphold its obligations under international law. The actions called for in this statement and in multiple letters to the government will be more effective than dictating to Palestinians who will govern them and how.