Canada to back Palestinian state at UN in September - PM Carney

Canada will officially recognize the State of Palestine in September 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday, aligning with a growing international push to support Palestinian statehood amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Speaking after a high-level Cabinet meeting and conversations with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Carney said Canada’s move would take place at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. “The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” Carney declared, adding that the recognition is tied to key conditions.

Among those, the Palestinian Authority must commit to democratic reforms, including holding general elections in 2026 from which Hamas is excluded, and pursuing the demilitarization of the future Palestinian state. “Canada will increase its efforts in supporting strong democratic governance in Palestine,” Carney added.

The announcement follows similar commitments from France and the U.K., marking a significant shift among Western powers traditionally cautious on Palestinian statehood. While largely symbolic, the move adds diplomatic weight to mounting global pressure on Israel amid the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Over 140 countries already recognize Palestine, but Canada’s decision would signal a notable policy shift, reinforcing calls for a two-state solution grounded in peace and democratic principles.