New York (Rajeev Sharma): Canada is stepping up its role in the Middle East peace process, pledging $30 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza and $10 million to support the Palestinian Authority’s governance reforms as part of a broader push for the creation of a future Palestinian state.
While Canada has not joined France in formally recognizing a Palestinian state, Ottawa has made clear it is prepared to help lay the groundwork for one that includes both Gaza and the West Bank, provided it is governed democratically and free from Hamas control.
Aid and Statehood Support
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand made the announcement Monday at a United Nations conference in New York, hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at preserving the two-state solution.
“The Palestinian question is at the heart of any hope for long-term stability in the Middle East,” Anand said. “A workable Palestinian state needs legitimate, democratic governance that serves all Palestinian people.”
Canada’s $10 million funding package will focus on reform and capacity-building within the Palestinian Authority, while the $30 million in humanitarian aid will address urgent needs in Gaza. Anand stressed that for the aid to be effective, humanitarian organizations must have “safe and unhindered access” to civilians in the territory.
Canada’s Position on Governance and Peace
Anand emphasized that Hamas, listed as a terrorist entity in Canada, cannot play any role in a future Palestinian government. She urged the Palestinian Authority to pursue “comprehensive reforms” that would enable it to govern both the West Bank and Gaza effectively.
She also called for Israel to halt “relentless settlement expansion” in the West Bank and demanded the release of hostages held by Hamas. “Peace is not only about borders and agreements,” Anand added. “It is also about shared stories and understanding that humanizes all sides and fosters trust.”
International and Domestic Context
Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking earlier in Prince Edward Island, reiterated Canada’s position that it will only recognize a Palestinian state “that does not include Hamas in any role.” He also criticized Israel and its settlers for showing “a lack of respect for the territorial integrity of Palestine in the West Bank.”
Ottawa is co-leading an initiative with Qatar and Mexico to build momentum toward a negotiated settlement
Tensions with the U.S. and Israel
The U.S. has voiced skepticism about the UN conference. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce called it “unproductive” and “ill-timed,” warning it could undermine ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. However, U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow more aid into Gaza amid mounting international concern over humanitarian conditions.
Netanyahu has rejected claims of starvation in Gaza, maintaining that only limited aid is necessary.
Anand, however, argued that this is a critical moment for international leadership: “This moment demands political courage and resolve. We must choose a different path—one that leads to a sustainable and just solution.”
