Canada will recognize a Palestinian state in September, the prime minister says

By ROB GILLIES Associated Press TORONTO AP Canada will recognize a Palestinian state in September Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed on Wednesday the latest in a series of symbolic announcements that are part of a broader global shift against Israel s policies in Gaza Carney convened a Cabinet meeting to discuss the situation in the battered Palestinian territory He announced it came after he discussed the situation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer who revealed a similar move on Tuesday Leaders are under mounting pressure over the issue as scenes of hunger in Gaza have horrified so a large number of across the world The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable Carney reported Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September Related Articles China and Russia to hold joint naval exercise near Japan next month Foreign couples flock to Denmark to get married Copenhagen wants to save room for locals US sanctions Brazil s Supreme Court justice overseeing episode against Bolsonaro Russian missiles hit a Ukrainian army training ground killing at least soldiers US-imposed tariffs spelled catastrophe for this factory that exported clothes to American stores Carney explained the intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority holding general elections in in which Hamas can play no part and to demilitarize the Palestinian state It wasn t right now clear how much of a condition Carney s caveat represented an referendum in the wrecked strip is not likely anytime soon Pressure to formally recognize Palestinian statehood has mounted since French President Emmanuel Macron reported that his country will become the first major Western power to recognize a Palestinian state in September As with France and the U K Canadian recognition would be largely symbolic but it s part of a broader global shift against Israel and could increase diplomatic pressure for an end to the conflict More than countries recognize a Palestinian state including a dozen in Europe Macron s announcement last week made France the first Group of Seven country and the largest in Europe to take that step Canada has long supported the idea of an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel but has stated recognition should come as part of a negotiated two-state key to the conflict