Islamabad 31 July: Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will officially recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.
This statement marks a historic shift in Canadian foreign policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a formal statement, Carney reaffirmed Canada’s longstanding commitment to a two-state solution—an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel.
However, he warned that hopes for a negotiated peace have been undermined by escalating violence, expanded Israeli settlements, and deepening humanitarian crises in Gaza.
“The prospects for a two-state solution have been steadily and gravely eroded,” Carney said, referencing Hamas’ terrorist actions, increased settler violence, and recent Israeli legislative moves toward West Bank annexation.
Canada’s decision, he noted, is conditional on Palestinian Authority reforms, including disarming Hamas, holding democratic elections in 2026, and establishing demilitarised governance structures.
Carney emphasised that Hamas must release all hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks and play no future role in Palestinian leadership.
Carney reiterated Canada’s support for Israel’s right to exist and its security, asserting that any durable peace must involve recognition of Israel’s inalienable rights alongside the creation of a stable Palestinian state.
Canada has already committed over $340 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinians, including $30 million for urgent relief in Gaza and $10 million to help the Palestinian Authority stabilise the West Bank.
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The Prime Minister said Canada will work with international partners to develop a credible peace plan and deliver large-scale humanitarian assistance, aiming to secure a just and lasting peace that respects the dignity and rights of both Palestinians and Israelis.
