Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will recognise Palestine as a sovereign state during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September.
Carney announced the decision on Wednesday after speaking with Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority.
His remarks come a day after the UK announced it would recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire and other conditions.
France had unveiled a similar plan.
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“Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution — an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security,” Carney said.
“For decades, it was hoped that this outcome would be achieved as part of a peace process built around a negotiated settlement between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.
“Regrettably, this approach is no longer tenable.”
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Carney condemned the Knesset’s call for the annexation of the West Bank and the starvation crisis in Gaza.
“For these reasons, Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025,” the prime minister said.
“This intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reforms, including the commitments by Palestinian Authority President Abbas to fundamentally reform its governance, to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state.
“Canada will increase its efforts in supporting strong, democratic governance in Palestine and the contributions of its people to a more peaceful and hopeful future.”
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Carney said Canada has already committed over $340 million in aid to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including $30 million in new funding to help address the needs of Palestinian civilians, and $10 million to support the Palestinian Authority’s role in stabilising and governing the West Bank.
He reiterated that Hamas must immediately release all hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack.
Israel’s foreign ministry rejected Canada’s announcement, calling it “a reward for Hamas”.
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