After UK, Canada to recognise ‘State of Palestine’ at UN General Assembly in 2025

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will officially recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, following the UK’s recent shift in policy toward Palestinian statehood.

In a detailed statement issued on Thursday, PM Carney reaffirmed Canada’s longstanding support for a two-state solution an independent, sovereign Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside Israel.

“Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security,” Carney said. “Regrettably, this approach is no longer tenable through traditional negotiation alone.”

Carney cited multiple deteriorating conditions that have undermined peace prospects, including:

The threat posed by Hamas terrorism, intensified after the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.

The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Israel's failure to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the Knesset’s recent move toward West Bank annexation.

“These actions have gravely eroded the viability of the two-state solution,” Carney stated, calling for immediate international efforts to restore peace, uphold human dignity, and enable co-existence.

Canada’s recognition of Palestine will hinge on key commitments from the Palestinian Authority (PA), including:

Reforms in governance under President Mahmoud Abbas.

General elections in 2026 from which Hamas is excluded.

A full demilitarisation of the future Palestinian state.

“We reiterate that Hamas must immediately release all hostages, disarm, and play no role in future Palestinian governance,” the statement added, emphasizing Canada’s firm stance on rejecting terrorism while advocating for legitimate Palestinian representation.

Carney also reaffirmed unwavering support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, adding that peace for Israel cannot exist without a viable Palestinian counterpart.

Canada has already pledged over $340 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza, including $30 million in new funding for civilian needs and $10 million toward stabilizing governance in the West Bank.