Canada ‘rewarding Hamas’ with Palestinian state recognition

“We will not sacrifice our existence for a jihadist state,” says Israeli ambassador to Canada in response to Palestine recognition announcement.

By World Israel News Staff

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that Canada will officially recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, following similar moves by the United Kingdom and France.

“Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution, an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security,” Carney said during a press conference.

The prime minister added that Canada “condemns the fact that the Israeli government has allowed a catastrophe to unfold in Gaza,” and said the decision was made “because the Palestinian Authority has committed to lead much-needed reform.”

However, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has refused to end its pay-for-slay program, which provides financial rewards to terrorists convicted of murdering Israelis, along with payments to their families.

Carney also claimed that PA President Mahmoud Abbas pledged to hold long-overdue elections—an indication, he said, that the Palestinian leadership is embracing democracy.

Abbas, who has served as PA president since 2006, was initially elected to a four-year term but has repeatedly canceled elections over the past 16 years. Widely unpopular among Palestinians, Abbas remains in power without a democratic mandate.

Abbas welcomed Carney’s decision, according to a summary of a call between the two leaders published by Palestinian news agency WAFA.

The statement said the PA leader “appreciated Canada’s historic position in recognizing the State of Palestine, which will enhance peace, stability, and security in the region.”

Israeli Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed sharply criticized the move.

“We will not sacrifice our very existence by permitting the imposition of a jihadist state on our ancestral homeland that seeks our annihilation,” Moed said.

“Recognizing a Palestinian state in the absence of accountable government, functioning institutions or benevolent leadership rewards and legitimizes the monstrous barbarity of Hamas,” he added.

“It punishes Israeli and Palestinian victims of Hamas, vindicates Hamas.”

U.S. President Donald Trump also expressed disapproval of the Canadian announcement, warning it would impact ongoing trade talks between the two countries.

“Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!”