Canada intends to recognize Palestinian state at UN General Assembly: Carney
Ottawa (AFP) – Canada plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday, a major policy shift that drew an angry response from US President Donald Trump and was rejected by Israel.
Issued on: 31/07/2025 - FRANCE24
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney exits a press conference after announcing plans to recognize a Palestinian state © Dave Chan / AFP
Carney said the move was necessary to preserve hopes of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a long-standing Canadian goal that was "being eroded before our eyes."
"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 makes Canada -- a G7 nation -- the third country, following recent announcements by France and the United Kingdom, to signal plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September.
Carney said the worsening suffering of civilians in Gaza left "no room for delay in coordinated international action to support peace.
Israel blasted Canada's announcement as part of a "distorted campaign of international pressure," while Trump warned that trade negotiations with Ottawa may not proceed smoothly.
"Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine," the US president wrote on his Truth Social platform.
"That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them."
Asked by reporters if there was a scenario where Canada could change its position before the UN meeting, Carney said: "there's a scenario (but) possibly one that I can't imagine."
Canada's intention "is predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to much-needed reforms," Carney said, referring to the body led by President Mahmoud Abbas, which has civil authority in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Carney said his plans were further predicated on Abbas's pledge to "hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state."
Carney said the move was necessary to preserve hopes of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a long-standing Canadian goal that was "being eroded before our eyes."
"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 makes Canada -- a G7 nation -- the third country, following recent announcements by France and the United Kingdom, to signal plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September.
Carney said the worsening suffering of civilians in Gaza left "no room for delay in coordinated international action to support peace.
Israel blasted Canada's announcement as part of a "distorted campaign of international pressure," while Trump warned that trade negotiations with Ottawa may not proceed smoothly.
"Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine," the US president wrote on his Truth Social platform.
"That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them."
Asked by reporters if there was a scenario where Canada could change its position before the UN meeting, Carney said: "there's a scenario (but) possibly one that I can't imagine."
Canada's intention "is predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to much-needed reforms," Carney said, referring to the body led by President Mahmoud Abbas, which has civil authority in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Carney said his plans were further predicated on Abbas's pledge to "hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state."
'Historic' decision
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) wants to work to achieve peace with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (R) © Ludovic MARIN / AFP/File
With Wednesday's announcement, Carney positioned Canada alongside France, after President Emmanuel Macron said his country would formally recognize a Palestinian state during the UN meeting, the most powerful European nation to announce such a move.
The Israeli embassy in Ottawa said "recognizing a Palestinian state in the absence of accountable government, functioning institutions, or benevolent leadership, rewards and legitimizes 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."
Canada's plan goes a step further than this week's announcement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Starmer said the UK will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September unless Israel takes various "substantive steps," including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Two-state solution
Carney stressed that Canada has been an unwavering member of the group of nations that hoped a two-state solution "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," he said, citing "Hamas terrorism" and the group's "longstanding violent rejection of Israel's right to exist."
The peace process has also been eroded by the expansion of Israeli settlements across the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, Carney said.
The prime minister said a two-state solution was growing increasingly remote, with a vote in Israel's parliament "calling for the annexation of the West Bank," as well as Israel's "ongoing failure" to prevent humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
He framed his decision as one aimed at safeguarding Israel's future.
"Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state, and one that recognizes Israel's inalienable right to security and peace," Carney said.
© 2025 AFP
With Wednesday's announcement, Carney positioned Canada alongside France, after President Emmanuel Macron said his country would formally recognize a Palestinian state during the UN meeting, the most powerful European nation to announce such a move.
The Israeli embassy in Ottawa said "recognizing a Palestinian state in the absence of accountable government, functioning institutions, or benevolent leadership, rewards and legitimizes 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."
Canada's plan goes a step further than this week's announcement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Starmer said the UK will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September unless Israel takes various "substantive steps," including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Two-state solution
Carney stressed that Canada has been an unwavering member of the group of nations that hoped a two-state solution "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," he said, citing "Hamas terrorism" and the group's "longstanding violent rejection of Israel's right to exist."
The peace process has also been eroded by the expansion of Israeli settlements across the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, Carney said.
The prime minister said a two-state solution was growing increasingly remote, with a vote in Israel's parliament "calling for the annexation of the West Bank," as well as Israel's "ongoing failure" to prevent humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
He framed his decision as one aimed at safeguarding Israel's future.
"Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state, and one that recognizes Israel's inalienable right to security and peace," Carney said.
© 2025 AFP
Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Canada’s recognition of a Palestinian state
July 30, 2025
July 30, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
“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.
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. Prospects for a two-state solution have been steadily and gravely eroded, including by:The pervasive threat of Hamas terrorism to Israel and its people, culminating in the heinous terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and Hamas’ longstanding violent rejection of Israel’s right to exist and a two-state solution.
The accelerated settlement building across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while settler violence against Palestinians has soared.
Actions such as the E1 Settlement Plan and this month’s vote by the Knesset calling for the annexation of the West Bank.
The ongoing failure by the Israeli government to prevent the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza, with impeded access to food and other essential humanitarian supplies.
The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delay in co-ordinated international action to support peace, security, and the dignity of all human life. Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism, and honouring their innate desire for the peaceful co-existence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future.
For these reasons, Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
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.
We reiterate that Hamas must immediately release all hostages taken in the horrific terrorist attack of October 7; that Hamas must disarm; and that Hamas must play no role in the future governance of Palestine. Canada will always steadfastly support Israel’s existence as an independent state in the Middle East living in peace and security. Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state, and one that recognizes Israel’s inalienable right to security and peace.
Canada has already committed over $340 million in humanitarian aid to address the dire humanitarian situation 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 stabilizing and governing the West Bank.
We will intensify our efforts with our international partners to develop a credible peace plan that establishes governance and security arrangements for Palestine and ensures the delivery of humanitarian aid at the necessary scale to Gaza. Canada will be a constructive partner in building a just, meaningful, and lasting peace in the region, and a future that respects the dignity, security, and aspirations of all Palestinians and Israelis.”
“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.
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. Prospects for a two-state solution have been steadily and gravely eroded, including by:The pervasive threat of Hamas terrorism to Israel and its people, culminating in the heinous terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and Hamas’ longstanding violent rejection of Israel’s right to exist and a two-state solution.
The accelerated settlement building across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while settler violence against Palestinians has soared.
Actions such as the E1 Settlement Plan and this month’s vote by the Knesset calling for the annexation of the West Bank.
The ongoing failure by the Israeli government to prevent the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza, with impeded access to food and other essential humanitarian supplies.
The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delay in co-ordinated international action to support peace, security, and the dignity of all human life. Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism, and honouring their innate desire for the peaceful co-existence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future.
For these reasons, Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
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.
We reiterate that Hamas must immediately release all hostages taken in the horrific terrorist attack of October 7; that Hamas must disarm; and that Hamas must play no role in the future governance of Palestine. Canada will always steadfastly support Israel’s existence as an independent state in the Middle East living in peace and security. Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state, and one that recognizes Israel’s inalienable right to security and peace.
Canada has already committed over $340 million in humanitarian aid to address the dire humanitarian situation 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 stabilizing and governing the West Bank.
We will intensify our efforts with our international partners to develop a credible peace plan that establishes governance and security arrangements for Palestine and ensures the delivery of humanitarian aid at the necessary scale to Gaza. Canada will be a constructive partner in building a just, meaningful, and lasting peace in the region, and a future that respects the dignity, security, and aspirations of all Palestinians and Israelis.”
Canada plans to recognize Palestinian state in September
CBC
Wed, July 30, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada plans to formally recognize the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly this fall. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press - image credit)
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will recognize a Palestinian state in September if the West Bank's governing body agrees to make certain commitments.
The prime minister said the Palestinian Authority must hold an election in 2026 and commit to other democratic reforms.
"Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism, and honouring their innate desire for the peaceful co-existence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future," Carney said during a news conference on Wednesday.
He said Canada would formally recognize the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly.
Carney's announcement came after he spoke to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas earlier Wednesday.
Mona Abuamara, the former chief representative of the Palestinian General Delegation to Canada, told CBC's Power & Politics that she believes the commitments Carney set out are achievable.
"The Palestinian people have been living hell for two years. They know what they want. They need the opportunity to actually build their own state," she told guest host David Common
The Palestinian Authority currently controls parts of the West Bank through the Fatah party. Hamas governs in Gaza. Neither territory has held an election since 2006.
Carney said Hamas can have no role in the election he is proposing. He also reiterated that Hamas needs to release the remaining Israeli hostages and said a Palestinian state must be demilitarized.
The announcement follows similar commitments from other allied countries in the past week.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Tuesday the U.K. will also recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza, allows the UN to bring in aid and takes other steps toward long-term peace
France announced a similar plan last week, but without conditions. Ireland, Norway and Spain have all recognized Palestine within the last year.
Carney said he has spoken to both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in recent days.
"In our judgment, and the judgment of others, the prospect of a Palestinian state is literally receding before our eyes," the prime minister said.
"Working with others to support the possibility of a Palestinian state establishes that [prospect]."
Canadian governments previously said they would acknowledge a Palestinian state only after a negotiated peace agreement between Israel and Palestinian leadership. Carney said that approach was "no longer tenable."
Carney said the ongoing threat of Hamas, the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and "the ongoing failure by the Israeli government to prevent the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza" spurred Canada to make this move now.
Israel rejects Canada's plans
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said its government "rejects" Carney's move.
"The change in the position of the Canadian government at this time is a reward for Hamas and harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages," the statement said.
Iddo Moed, the Israeli Ambassador to Canada, told Power & Politics that Canada's decision would "embolden" Hamas.
"Hamas is very much aware of what is going on right now and I think they will be celebrating this very message," Moed said.
Noah Shack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), said in a news statement on Wednesday that Carney's decision is "predicated on misplaced faith in vague commitments" by Abbas.
"Extending recognition absent real change on the ground is a recipe for another failed Palestinian pseudo-state controlled by terrorists," Shack said.
More than 100 advocacy groups have been warning of hunger spreading in Gaza as ceasefire negotiations stall.
Israel, which controls all supplies entering Gaza, denies it is responsible for food shortages.
Carney was asked how likely it is that elections could be held given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the heightened tensions in the region overall.
"Much has to happen in order for a democratic viable state [to be] established in Palestine. We fully recognize that," Carney said.
"We're committed to help work as part of that process, but I'm not in any way [or] shape minimizing the scale of that task."
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand spoke at a UN conference on the two-state solution earlier this week. (Richard Drew/The Associated Press)
Carney was joined by Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, who announced $10 million to "to accelerate reform and capacity-building for the Palestinian Authority" earlier this week.
Anand's announcement was made at a major UN conference — convened by France and Saudi Arabia — to find ways to preserve the two-state solution.
Conservatives denounce decision
The Conservative Party said in a statement that it supports a two-state solution, but also said Carney's decision is a "reward" for Hamas.
"A unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood, without peace negotiations or a renunciation of violence, destroys the path to a lasting, two-state solution. Worse, it legitimizes terrorism by handing political rewards to a group that rules Gaza through fear, oppression and brutality," the statement said.
NDP MP Heather McPherson said she welcomed Carney's decision but said it should have been made sooner. She also called on Canada to do more to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
"It should not have taken the Liberals this long to make this decision — and it should not take until September to implement it," McPherson wrote in a statement.
"The Liberals should recognize the state of Palestine today — while also taking the political action necessary to end Canada's complicity in this genocide.
In the past week, a number of Liberal MPs have called on Canada to follow France's lead.
Toronto MP Salma Zahid and Montreal-area MP Sameer Zuberi said in social media posts that Canada must join France in announcing its recognition of a state for the Palestinian people.
Fares Al Soud, who represents the Toronto-area riding of Mississauga Centre, said on social media that justice for the Palestinian people "demands recognition."
Canada and Malta say they will recognise Palestine, joining France and UK
Copyright AP Photo/Richard Drew)By Evelyn Ann-Marie DomPublished on 31/07/2025 -It comes as high-level representatives met at a UN conference on a two-state solution, which Israel and the United States have boycotted.
Canada and Malta both announced on Wednesday that they plan to formally recognise the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September, joining France and the United Kingdom, who announced earlier they would do so.
The move to recognise Palestine as a state comes amid a renewed push in Europe to put pressure on Israel to stop its devastating war in Gaza, which has led to widespread starvation in the strip, as well as to halt the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
"The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable," Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, emphasising the need for international cooperation to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
"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," he added
In return, Canada wants to see "much-needed reforms" to the governance of the Palestinian Authority, including general elections to be held in 2026 with the exclusion of the militant group, Hamas.
"Canada will increase its efforts in supporting strong democratic governance in Palestine," Carney concluded.
Malta has long supported Palestinian sovereignty and the self-determination for its citizens. Christopher Cutajar, the permanent secretary at Malta’s Foreign Ministry, made the announcement earlier at a United Nations conference on a two-state solution.
"As responsible actors, we have a duty to work to translate the concept of a two-state solution from theory into practice," Cutajar said.
It comes a day after Prime Minister Keir Starmer also announced the United Kingdom would formally recognise the state of Palestine before the annual gathering of world leaders at the 193-member General Assembly in September.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed his country's decision to formalise the move in September a week earlier, which would make France the first G7 country and the first permanent member of the UN Security Council to recognise Palestine.
147 member states of the United Nations, including ten European Union member states already recognise the state of Palestine.
The act of recognition involves acknowledging the sovereignty and independence of Palestine within its pre-1967 Middle East war borders. This includes the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.
Israel opposed a two-state solution and boycott the UN conference held in New York City, alongside its closest ally, the United States.
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