OTTAWA – In a significant and controversial foreign policy shift, Canada will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday. The decision makes Canada the first G7 country to declare its intent to back Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN gathering, following similar announcements by France and the United Kingdom.
Carney framed the decision as a critical step toward preserving the long-eroding hope of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a goal that has historically been part of Canada’s diplomatic agenda.
“Canada intends to recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025,” said Carney in a press briefing in Ottawa. “The vision of two nations living side by side in peace is being eroded before our eyes. We can no longer afford to be passive.”
Canada’s Recognition of Palestine Draws Global Reactions
The announcement triggered immediate backlash from Israel and a sharp rebuke from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump, using his Truth Social platform, wrote: “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.”
Israel’s embassy in Ottawa issued a strongly worded statement condemning the move, calling it part of a “distorted campaign of international pressure.” It also accused Canada of legitimising Hamas by recognising statehood “in the absence of accountable government or functioning institutions.”
Despite the criticism, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the announcement, calling it a “historic step.” The PA vowed to continue with reform measures and pledged to exclude Hamas from future leadership, including elections set for 2026.
Carney was clear that Canada’s recognition of Palestine is conditional on reform and peaceful intent. He specified that the Palestinian Authority must follow through on its commitment to democratic reforms, hold general elections in 2026, and ensure that Hamas is excluded from all aspects of governance.
“Canada’s decision is predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reforms,” Carney stated. “This includes demilitarisation of the Palestinian state and establishing governance structures that support peace, democracy, and security for all people in the region.”
He also criticised both Hamas and Israel in his announcement. While condemning “Hamas terrorism” and its “violent rejection of Israel’s right to exist,” Carney also took aim at Israel for contributing to the collapse of the peace process. He cited the expansion of illegal settlements and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza as major factors.
Canada’s announcement aligns it with France, whose President Emmanuel Macron declared earlier this week that his country would also back statehood for Palestine at the September UN assembly. The United Kingdom, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has indicated it will do the same—contingent on Israeli compliance with certain peace-oriented conditions.
While France and the UK have both supported the concept of a two-state solution for decades, their recent declarations, along with Canada’s, mark a shift from theory to action. The three Western powers appear to be moving in coordinated steps to pressure Israel into re-engaging in meaningful negotiations.
The move will likely reshape Canada’s international relations, especially with its closest trading partners. Trump’s threat to stall trade negotiations may place economic strain on the U.S.–Canada relationship. However, Carney signaled that Canada is prepared to face diplomatic consequences in pursuit of a principled stance on peace and justice.
When asked if Canada might reverse its decision before the UN General Assembly, Carney replied, “There’s a scenario—but possibly one that I can’t imagine.”
Domestically, the decision has already sparked heated debate. While supporters hail the move as a moral and diplomatic necessity, critics warn it could harm Canada’s strategic interests and alienate key allies in the region.
Carney closed his announcement by reaffirming Canada’s longstanding belief in a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the creation of two viable, sovereign states.
“Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state—one that recognises Israel’s inalienable right to peace and security,” he said. “This is not an act of hostility—it is an act of hope.”
As the world prepares for what may be a historic UN General Assembly in September 2025, Canada has taken a decisive stance that could reshape the contours of Middle East diplomacy—and its own global role.
Source- Punchng
