Canada to recognise Palestinian state at UNGA 2025, cites Gaza suffering

Speaking at a news conference in Ottawa after chairing a virtual Cabinet meeting, Carney said the move comes amid the "intolerable" humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

31 Jul 2025 08:42am

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand listens to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speak during a press conference after a Cabinet meeting to discuss both trade negotiations with the US and the situation in the Middle East, at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on July 30, 2025. (Photo by Dave CHAN / AFP)

HAMILTON - Canada will recognise Palestine as a state at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference in Ottawa after chairing a virtual Cabinet meeting, Carney said the move comes amid the "intolerable" humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney leaves after speaking during a press conference after a Cabinet meeting to discuss both trade negotiations with the US and the situation in the Middle East, at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on July 30, 2025. Canada "intends" to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney said July 30, a dramatic policy shift he said was necessary to preserve hopes of a two-state solution. (Photo by Dave Chan / AFP)

"Canada intends to recognise the state of Palestine at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2025," he said, according to Anadolu Ajansi (AA).

Carney reiterated Canada’s long-standing support for a two-state solution -- an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security.

He said Canada’s recognition is tied to the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to "much-needed reform,” and pledged stronger support for democratic governance in Palestine.

"Canada will increase its efforts in supporting strong democratic governance in Palestine and the contributions of its people to a more peaceful and hopeful future," he said.

He noted that "any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state.”

Carney also described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as "intolerable and rapidly deteriorating,” and criticised Israel for allowing the situation to worsen.

"Canada condemns the fact that the Israeli government has let the situation deteriorate in Gaza," he added. - BERNAMA-ANADOLU