OTTAWA, Canada — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, that Canada will officially recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September, marking a historic shift in the country’s Middle East policy.
The declaration followed a phone call with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, and comes just a day after similar announcements by the United Kingdom and France.
“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 at a press briefing in Ottawa.
“For decades, it was hoped that this outcome would be achieved as part of a peace process built around a negotiated settlement… Regrettably, this approach is no longer tenable.”
Carney criticised recent actions by the Israeli government, including calls in the Knesset for the annexation of the West Bank and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
He said these developments undermined the viability of a negotiated peace.
Carney stressed that Canada’s recognition is conditional, citing a need for substantial reforms within the Palestinian Authority. These include:
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A firm commitment to democratic governance
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General elections in 2026, excluding Hamas participation
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A plan for the demilitarisation of 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,” the prime minister said.
Carney revealed that Canada has already contributed over $340 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza, including $30 million in new funds for immediate relief and $10 million to bolster the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to stabilise and govern the West Bank.
He also renewed Canada’s call for the immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned Ottawa’s decision, calling it “a reward for Hamas” and accusing Canada of undermining efforts to reach a ceasefire.
The Canadian move adds to growing international pressure on Israel amid shifting global sentiment following the prolonged war in Gaza and mounting casualties.
Canada now joins a growing bloc of nations — including France, Ireland, Spain, and over 140 UN member states — that have recognised Palestinian statehood.
Britain has said it will do the same in September unless Israel makes significant concessions.
The recognition marks a profound turn in Canadian foreign policy, as Carney acknowledged the “historical impasse” of the peace process and the failure of decades-long diplomatic efforts.
“Canada is ready to lead with moral clarity,” Carney said. “Statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people.”
