Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, aligning with recent similar decisions by France and the United Kingdom.

Carney explained that this diplomatic shift reflects deep frustration over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, including starvation, civilian casualties, and the rapid expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. He emphasized Canada’s long-standing commitment to a two-state solution, but called the negotiated peace path “no longer tenable” under current circumstances.

The recognition remains conditional—Canada has tied its decision to a pledge from the Palestinian Authority to undertake governance reforms, hold general elections in 2026 that prohibit Hamas from participating, and demilitarize the prospective Palestinian state.

While symbolic, the move puts diplomatic pressure on Israel and adds momentum to international calls for a ceasefire and renewed negotiations. Israel strongly condemned the announcement, arguing that it amounts to rewarding Hamas and could undermine efforts toward releasing hostages and achieving peac. Likewise, U.S. leaders, including President Trump, reaffirmed their refusal to follow suit, citing the fear of legitimizing terrorism.

As of July 2025, Canada becomes the third major Western ally after France and the U.K. to formally plan recognition of Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN meeting.