In a landmark shift, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has declared that Canada plans to officially recognize the State of Palestine during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. This move would make Canada the third G7 country — after France and the United Kingdom — to announce such recognition.
Carney framed the decision as necessary to preserve hopes for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “We are witnessing the possibility of a Palestinian state slipping away before our eyes,” he warned, citing humanitarian devastation in Gaza and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Conditions for Recognition
Carney emphasized that recognition hinges on key conditions: the Palestinian Authority must hold general elections in 2026 that exclude Hamas, and commit to a demilitarized Palestinian state. Canada, like the U.S., U.K., and EU, considers Hamas a terrorist organization.
“Peace requires standing with those who choose dialogue over violence,” Carney said, adding that Hamas must play no role in Palestine’s future governance. He reiterated that the recognition of Palestine would be rooted in support for democratic, non-violent institutions.
Carney also confirmed he spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ahead of the announcement, signaling diplomatic coordination.
Israeli Backlash
Israel swiftly condemned Canada’s decision. The Israeli Foreign Ministry labeled it a “reward for Hamas” and warned it would undermine ongoing efforts for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release.
The Israeli Embassy in Ottawa went further, describing Canada’s shift as part of a “distorted international pressure campaign.” It argued that without effective governance in Palestine, recognition amounts to legitimizing Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks.
Despite this, Carney insisted that Canada’s move is about long-term peace. “We are committed to a just resolution, even if the current political context makes it difficult.”
The announcement marks a dramatic pivot in Canada’s Middle East policy, reflecting growing international frustration with Israel’s actions in Gaza and a deteriorating humanitarian crisis. While controversial, analysts suggest it could re-energize diplomatic efforts toward a lasting peace in the region.
