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 broadcasted 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 mentioned it came after he discussed the problem with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer who declared a similar move on Tuesday Leaders are under mounting pressure over the issue as scenes of hunger in Gaza have horrified so several across the world The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable Carney stated Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September Related Articles Russia s Far East land of fire and ice avoids major damage from -magnitude quake tsunami Radar satellite launched by India and NASA will track miniscule changes to Earth s land and ice Birmingham gives an emotional farewell to Ozzy Osbourne as tearful family lead tributes This day in History July Jenner takes gold in Montreal Tsunami warnings fading after one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded Carney announced 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 this instant clear how much of a condition Carney s caveat represented an poll in the wrecked strip is not likely anytime soon Pressure to formally recognize Palestinian statehood has mounted since French President Emmanuel Macron revealed 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 announced recognition should come as part of a negotiated two-state remedy to the conflict