Canada to Recognize Palestinian State at UN in September

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on July 30, 2025, that Canada will formally recognize the State of Palestine at the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly in September.

This move positions Canada as the third G7 nation to take this step recently, following France and the United Kingdom. Carney underscored that the decision reflects Canada's longstanding commitment to a two-state solution but acknowledged that the traditional approach focused on negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority has become untenable amid recent developments.

Carney cited several factors influencing this policy change: the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, the intensifying humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas, which resulted in significant loss of life and hostages. He stressed the "intolerable" level of human suffering in Gaza and warned that the "prospect of a Palestinian state is being eroded before our eyes".

Canada’s recognition of Palestine is explicitly conditional. The Palestinian Authority must commit to democratic reforms, including holding general elections scheduled for 2026 without the participation of Hamas—a group governing Gaza and designated as a terrorist organization by several countries—and must pledge to demilitarize the Palestinian state.

Carney communicated that he had assurances from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas regarding these reforms and the exclusion of Hamas from future governance. The release of Israeli hostages taken during the 2023 Hamas attacks was also emphasized as a prerequisite.

This announcement aligns Canada with France, which declared its intention to recognize Palestine at the UN in September regardless of additional conditions, and the UK, which conditioned its recognition on Israel’s acceptance of a ceasefire and other peace measures.

However, the United States, a staunch ally of Israel, has strongly criticized these moves. Former President Donald Trump publicly stated that Canada’s recognition would complicate future US-Canada trade negotiations, labeling the recognition as a "reward for Hamas". Israel’s foreign ministry condemned Canada’s announcement on social media, warning it could undermine ceasefire efforts and hostage release negotiations.

Domestically, Canada’s opposition Conservative Party criticized the timing of the recognition, arguing it sends the wrong message in the immediate aftermath of the terror attacks. Yet, nearly 200 former Canadian diplomats have urged the government to recognize Palestinian statehood, citing the humanitarian crises and violence affecting civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.

Among Palestinians in Gaza, constrained by limited communication, reactions expressed cautious optimism. Journalist Imad Abu Shawish noted on social media that each international recognition brings Palestinians "a step closer to our dream of an independent state".

Carney remains firm that Canada’s policy is independently made, despite parallel announcements by UK and France, and without consultation with the US administration. If France, the UK, and Canada proceed with recognition, the United States will be the only permanent member of the UN Security Council maintaining non-recognition of Palestinian statehood.

This development underscores shifting geopolitical dynamics amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in the region, marking a potential turning point in international diplomatic pressure aimed at reviving peace efforts through recognition of Palestinian sovereignty under strict reform conditions.