Israel has rejected Canadian Prime Minister Mike Carney’s announcement to recognise the State of Palestine in September, calling it an effort to “legitimise the monstrous barbarity of Hamas,” AFP reports.

The Israeli embassy in Ottawa said, “Recognising a Palestinian state in the absence of accountable government, functioning institutions, or benevolent leadership, rewards and legitimises the monstrous barbarity of Hamas on October 7, 2023.”

The PA’s Abbas welcomed the announcement as a “historic” decision, while France said the countries would work together “to revive the prospect of peace in the region.”