OTTAWA — Canada is set to recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly next week, according to Foreign Minister Anita Anand. However, she clarified that this recognition will not lead to the immediate normalization of diplomatic relations with the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Speaking to reporters from Mexico on Friday, Anand stated that recognizing Palestinian statehood aligns with the belief in a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel. She emphasized that recognition is distinct from normalization. "Normalization is completely different from recognition," she said. "The process of normalization involves increases in diplomatic relationships. It involves opening embassies. It involves opening consulates. It involves ensuring that there are processes for transfer of citizens between the two states at issue."

Currently, Canada maintains a representative office in Ramallah, West Bank, but does not have full diplomatic relations with the PA. Anand indicated that normalization would only occur if the PA demonstrates significant democratic reforms and holds a general election in 2026, the first since 2006, without the involvement of the terrorist group Hamas.

Anand also mentioned her plans to speak with PA leader Mahmoud Abbas later that day. She intends to reiterate the necessity for Hamas to disarm and for the release of remaining Israeli hostages. "I will be stressing again, the importance of the promises laid out in the Abbas letter that we received in July," she said.

In addition, Anand is engaged in discussions with the United Kingdom, France, and Australia, all of which are expected to recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly next week.

In July, a government spokesperson stated that the recognition would be directed to the Palestinian Authority, explicitly excluding Hamas from the process. However, many international observers doubt the PA's ability to hold a general election in 2026, given that Abbas has not conducted elections since 2006 and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The announcement of statehood recognition has drawn criticism from the Israeli embassy. Israeli Ambassador Iddo Moed condemned the move, asserting that it rewards the terrorist attacks against Israel that initiated the current conflict in Gaza. "Let us be clear: Israel will not bow to the distorted campaign of international pressure against it. We will not sacrifice our very existence by permitting the imposition of a jihadist state on our ancestral homeland that seeks our annihilation," Moed stated.