Canada will formally recognise a Palestinian state in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday. This aligns his country’s foreign policy with recent shifts by key European allies and aims to bolster the two-state solution amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“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 stated during a press conference. He explained the move was prompted by the “catastrophe” in Gaza and fears that the prospect of a Palestinian state was “receding before our eyes.”
The recognition is planned for the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly. However, it comes with conditions. Carney said the intention is “predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reforms.”
During a phone call, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly assured Carney of his commitment to hold general elections in 2026, in which Hamas would “play no part,” and to the demilitarisation of a future Palestinian state. This move towards sovereign recognition is seen by Ottawa as a crucial step towards regional stability.
SMread: UK plans to recognise Palestinian statehood
A growing international trend
Canada’s announcement follows closely on the heels of similar declarations from the United Kingdom and France. Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron stated France would recognise a Palestinian state in September. The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has also said it would do so unless Israel commits to a ceasefire in Gaza. Australia has indicated that its own recognition is a matter of “when, not if.”
This diplomatic shift by Western powers adds to the 147 of 193 UN member states that already recognise Palestine. The move signals increasing international pressure to find a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Recognition of Palestine’s sovereignty is central to the two-state solution, which envisions an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, alongside Israel.
The international community’s path to recognising a Palestinian state is complex. According to the 1933 Montevideo Convention, a territory must have a permanent population, a defined territory, an effective government and the capacity for international relations to be considered a state.
While Palestine has observer status at the UN, full membership requires approval from the Security Council — where the United States has previously indicated it would use its veto — and a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly.
SMread: Niger’s junta digs in two years after turbulent coup
Reactions from the global community
The decision has elicited strong and varied reactions. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed Canada’s move as “historic,” stating it would “enhance peace, stability and security in the region.”
Conversely, the Israeli government condemned the announcement. Israel’s Foreign Ministry called it a “reward for Hamas” that “harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages.”
The United States has also expressed its disapproval. President Donald Trump linked the decision directly to ongoing trade negotiations, posting on social media: “Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them. Oh’ Canada!!!”
The statement introduces a significant economic threat just before a 1 August deadline for a trade agreement, after which Canada could face steep tariffs. The debate over recognition continues to highlight deep divisions on the world stage.
Image: Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during a news conference at Rideau Hall for after a swearing in ceremony on 14 March 2025 in Ottawa. [Dave Chan/AFP via Getty Images]
