Ottawa, July 31 (H.S.): Canada and Malta have joined France and Britain in recognizing Palestine as an independent nation. Canada plans to formally acknowledge Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, following announcements by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Mark Carney outlined conditions for Canada's recognition, including the requirement for Palestine to hold general elections by 2026, excluding Hamas, and to establish a weapons-free state. Carney discussed these conditions with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who has reportedly agreed.

Malta's Foreign Ministry also confirmed its intention to recognize Palestine in September. Both Canada and Britain have set conditions for their recognition, with Britain stating it would proceed if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire with Hamas. Meanwhile, France has offered unconditional support. Israel has opposed these announcements, with its Foreign Ministry claiming such moves undermine efforts for a ceasefire and are hypocritical.

Despite support from 147 countries at the UN, Palestine has yet to gain official recognition as an independent state. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed over 60,000 lives, exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis marked by food shortages and attacks on refugee camps, prompting increasing international pressure on Israel.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar