Canada-Palestine relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada enjoys positive relations with the Palestinian Authority (PA), the governmental entity in Palestine. Canada recognizes the Palestinian right to self-determination and supports the creation of a sovereign, independent, viable, democratic and territorially contiguous Palestinian state. Canada recognized the State of Palestine on September 21, 2025, as part of a coordinated international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution. This decision was predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) commitment to much-needed reforms, including the commitment by PA President Abbas to fundamentally reform the PA’s governance, to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part and to demilitarize the Palestinian state.
In accordance with the 1993 Oslo Accords, Canada’s representative office in Ramallah has responsibility for managing the Government of Canada’s relationship with the PA. The representative office plays a key role in Canada’s political, trade and international assistance efforts in Palestine. The Palestinian General Delegation, which opened in Ottawa, Ontario, in 1995, represents Palestinian interests in Canada. The Government of Canada has no contact with Hamas. Canada has listed Hamas as a terrorist organization pursuant to the Canadian Criminal Code.
Canada is committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, which can only be achieved through a two-state solution as part of direct negotiations between the parties. Canada’s recognition of the State of Palestine does not replace negotiations between the parties to settle the many remaining final-status issues. Canada aims to uphold and promote the two-state solution by helping to establish a law-based, peaceful, and prosperous society for the Palestinians, and a stable and secure neighbour for Israel.
For more information, refer to Canadian policy on key issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Trade relations
Pursuant to the Paris Protocol, Palestinian exports to Canada benefit from preferential treatment offered in the 1997 Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) and benefit from improvements in the modernized CIFTA. Furthermore, in 1999, Canada concluded the Joint Canadian-Palestinian Framework on Economic Cooperation and Trade Between Canada and the Palestine Liberation Organization on behalf of the PA, which confirmed PA approval to apply preferential tariffs under CIFTA to goods produced in Palestine. Sectors such as information and communications technology, life sciences and infrastructure hold niche opportunities for Canadian businesses within the Palestinian economy.
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Development and humanitarian assistance
Canada’s international assistance in Palestine reinforces the goal of a two-state solution and is aligned with Palestinian needs and Canadian priorities. Canada supports efforts to help advance the peace process, promote security and the rule of law, stimulate economic growth and deliver humanitarian assistance.
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