Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that his government will formally recognise the State of Palestine during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025 — a significant shift in Canadian foreign policy that has drawn strong condemnation from Israel and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Carney, speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, said the decision was driven by the urgent need to revive the two-state solution, which he warned is “being eroded before our eyes.”
“Canada intends to recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September,” Carney declared. “This is necessary to preserve the vision of two states living side by side in peace and security — a vision we have supported for decades.”
Joining Global Momentum
The move places Canada alongside France and the United Kingdom, both of which have also signalled plans to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN in September.
France has already committed to recognition, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the UK will do the same unless Israel takes concrete steps, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Carney said Canada's decision is also driven by the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, adding that “delaying coordinated international action any further would be unconscionable.”
Strong Pushback from Israel and Trump
Israel swiftly condemned the announcement, calling it part of a “distorted campaign of international pressure.” The Israeli embassy in Ottawa said Canada was legitimising “the monstrous barbarity of Hamas” by recognising a Palestinian state in the absence of credible institutions or democratic governance.
On his Truth Social platform, Donald Trump criticised the move, 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.”
The former U.S. president hinted at potential trade consequences and warned of a strain in Canada-U.S. relations.
Conditions for Recognition
Carney, however, made it clear that recognition would be based on strict conditions. He said the Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, must commit to critical reforms — including general elections in 2026 that exclude Hamas — and to the demilitarisation of the future Palestinian state.
“Our recognition is conditional on a reformed Palestinian Authority capable of ensuring security, governance, and peace,” Carney said.
Asked whether Canada might reverse its stance, Carney responded, “There’s a scenario — though possibly one that I can’t imagine.”
A 'Historic' Moment
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the announcement as a “historic” decision, while France said it would collaborate closely with Canada to reignite efforts toward peace in the region.
Carney acknowledged that Canada had long backed a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians but said that the strategy is now obsolete.
“Hamas’ terrorism, Israel’s expanding settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza have made the status quo untenable,” the prime minister said.
He added that a recent vote in Israel’s Knesset calling for the annexation of parts of the West Bank only deepens the urgency of international action.
Safeguarding Israel’s Future
While recognising Palestinian statehood, Carney insisted that his decision was ultimately aimed at securing long-term peace and stability for both peoples.
“A viable Palestinian state is not only essential for Palestinian self-determination — it is also necessary for the future of Israel,” he said. “Lasting peace for Israel cannot exist without a stable and peaceful neighbour.”
The announcement represents a major reorientation of Canada’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and adds momentum to the global push for recognition of Palestinian statehood amid a prolonged stalemate in peace talks.
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