Ottawa, Canada – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, that Canada intends to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. This significant declaration, however, comes with specific conditions tied to reforms within the Palestinian Authority (PA).
The Prime Minister’s office stated that the recognition is “predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reforms.” These include:
- Fundamentally reforming its governance.
- Holding general elections in 2026, in which the militant group Hamas will not be permitted to participate.
- A commitment to demilitarize the Palestinian state.
Prime Minister Carney emphasized that this move is crucial to “preserve the possibility of a two-state solution,” which he noted was “literally receding before our eyes” due to the deteriorating situation on the ground, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Carney’s announcement follows similar declarations from key allies. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Tuesday that the UK would also recognize a Palestinian state in September, provided Israel agrees to a ceasefire in Gaza, allows UN aid into the region, and takes further steps towards a long-term peace. Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron made a similar, albeit unconditional, declaration, confirming France’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September.
Canada has historically supported the idea of a future, independent Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside Israel. However, its previous stance was that recognition should come as part of a negotiated two-state solution. Prime Minister Carney indicated that the current dire circumstances, including the “intolerable” suffering in Gaza and the accelerating pace of events on the ground, necessitated this change in approach.
Carney held discussions with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas prior to the announcement, reportedly receiving assurances from Abbas regarding the commitment to reforms and holding elections. He also stressed that Hamas must immediately release all hostages taken in the October 7, 2023, attacks, disarm, and play no role in the future governance of Palestine.
The decision has been met with varied reactions. The Israeli Foreign Ministry swiftly denounced Canada’s move, labeling it “a reward for Hamas” and detrimental to efforts for a ceasefire and hostage release. In Canada, several Liberal Members of Parliament had recently urged the government to follow France’s lead, reflecting growing domestic political support for Palestinian statehood recognition. The National Council of Canadian Muslims welcomed the announcement but called for further practical steps, such as sanctions on the Netanyahu government and a two-way arms embargo on the Israeli military.
Prime Minister Carney reiterated Canada’s unwavering support for Israel’s existence as an independent state, stating that any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state that recognizes Israel’s right to security and peace. Canada plans to intensify its efforts with international partners to develop a credible peace plan and ensure humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
