In a landmark announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that Canada will formally recognize the State of Palestine during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. The decision marks a major symbolic step as international disapproval of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza continues to intensify.
Carney made the declaration following a high-level Cabinet meeting focused on the deepening crisis in Gaza, and after conversations with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had announced a similar move just a day earlier. Speaking on the humanitarian toll, Carney said, “The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” referencing the global outcry over growing famine and devastation in the territory.
The recognition, Carney stressed, is conditional. Canada expects the Palestinian Authority to hold democratic elections in 2026, with Hamas excluded from participation, and for the future Palestinian state to be fully demilitarized. “I’m not underestimating the scale of this task,” he added. “It is not an immediate reality.”
A Global Momentum Builds
Pressure for Western nations to formally recognize Palestinian statehood has escalated in recent weeks. French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country’s recognition of Palestine last week, making France the first G7 nation to take such a step. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Starmer followed, warning that unless Israel commits to a ceasefire and a long-term peace framework, the U.K. will proceed with recognition ahead of the UN session.
Carney emphasized that Canada is coordinating with allied nations to preserve the viability of a two-state solution. “We cannot allow the current realities— the deaths, the settlements, the land seizures— to close the door to peace,” he said.
Israel’s current government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, remains staunchly opposed to a two-state solution, citing security and ideological concerns.
A Symbolic Yet Strategic Move
Though largely symbolic, Canada’s recognition—like that of France and the U.K.—adds diplomatic weight to the global pressure mounting against Israel’s conduct in Gaza. Over 140 nations have already recognized Palestinian statehood, including several in Europe.
Canada has historically supported a negotiated two-state solution but had withheld formal recognition until now. Israel’s ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, criticized the decision, calling Canada a “dear but estranged friend,” and accused Ottawa of failing to understand Israel’s position.
“We hear the world loud and clear,” Moed said. “But there’s no global empathy for the pain of the hostages still held in Gaza.”
The Toll of War Persists
The conflict began with Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. As of now, approximately 50 remain captive, with 20 believed to be alive.
Israel’s military response has led to over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Though the ministry is governed by Hamas, international organizations recognize its casualty figures as the most consistent source. Among the dead are at least 89 children who have died from malnutrition since the war began.
Israel denies any widespread starvation in Gaza and rejects contrary reports from U.N. agencies and humanitarian organizations. Moed accused Hamas of prolonging the war and described Gaza as hosting “the most extensive terrorist infrastructure in the world.”
“We need this to end,” he said. “Both Israelis and Palestinians are not going anywhere. We will continue to share this land.”
A White House official confirmed President Donald Trump’s stance remains unchanged—he will not support recognizing a Palestinian state. Instead, his administration is focusing on providing food assistance to Gaza. “Recognizing Palestinian statehood would be rewarding Hamas,” the official stated. “The President does not believe they deserve that.”
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