Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that Canada will officially recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly this September. The decision, which aligns Canada with recent moves by France and the United Kingdom, has already drawn sharp criticism from both the United States and Israel.
“Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025,” Carney stated, describing the move as essential to preserving the long-sought two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He warned that this vision is “being eroded before our eyes,” amid ongoing violence and humanitarian suffering, particularly in Gaza.
Carney emphasized that the worsening conditions for civilians in Gaza leave “no room for delay in coordinated international action to support peace.” He also made clear that Canada’s recognition is contingent upon the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to critical governance reforms.
This includes a pledge by President Mahmoud Abbas to hold general elections in 2026 — elections that would exclude Hamas — and to work toward the demilitarization of a future Palestinian state. The conditions reflect Canada’s long-standing concerns about stability, democratic legitimacy, and security in the region.
The announcement was met with an immediate and hostile response from Israeli officials, who described it as part of a “distorted campaign of international pressure” against the country. Israel has consistently opposed unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, arguing it undermines negotiations and emboldens militant groups.
U.S. President Donald Trump, currently seeking re-election, reacted strongly on his Truth Social platform, writing: “Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them.” He suggested that Canada’s decision could complicate ongoing trade discussions with Washington.
Despite the backlash, Carney remained resolute when pressed by reporters on whether Canada might walk back its decision. “There’s a scenario,” he said, “but possibly one that I can’t imagine.” His remarks suggest that any reversal would require dramatic developments that are currently unforeseeable.
Canada’s recognition would make it the first G7 country to officially declare support for Palestinian statehood in such a high-profile international setting. It joins France and the UK, both of which have already announced plans to back recognition at the upcoming UN session. French President Emmanuel Macron was the first among the major powers to confirm this diplomatic step, followed closely by the British government.
The move marks a pivotal moment in international diplomacy surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and places Canada at the forefront of a growing global push for Palestinian recognition on the world stage.
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