Canada to recognize Palestine ahead of UN Assembly as PM Carney condemns Israeli strikes
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, July 30, 2025. (AFP Photo)
September 16, 2025 02:12 PM GMT+03:00
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reiterated his government’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly later this month.
The announcement followed a Middle East-focused meeting chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron, attended by leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Kingdom. Carney’s office stated that recognition would be conditional on the 2026 general elections taking place without Hamas' involvement, the implementation of necessary reforms, and the disarmament of the Palestinian state.
This frame grab taken from an AFPTV footage shows smoke billowing after explosions in Qatars capital Doha, Sep. 9, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Carney also expressed solidarity with Qatar after recent Israeli attacks, describing the strikes as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty that heightened the risk of regional conflict. He reaffirmed Canada’s support for a two-state solution.
Regional agreements
According to the statement, meeting participants agreed to work toward increased peace and security in the region, a lasting ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (left) with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (right) at the 8th Turkey-Spain Inter-Governmental Summit Meeting, Madrid, Spain, June 13, 2024 (President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's official X account)
Countries recognizing Palestine since Oct. 7, 2023
- Barbados – November 2023
- Jamaica – November 2023
- Trinidad and Tobago – December 2023
- Bahamas – December 2023
- Ireland – May 2024
- Norway – May 2024
- Spain – May 2024
- Slovenia – June 2024
- Armenia – July 2024
- Mexico – July 2024
Countries announcing recognition intent before September 2025 UN General Assembly
- Canada – September 2025, conditional on Hamas exclusion and disarmament
- France – September 2025, with a two-state solution emphasis
- United Kingdom – September 2025, diplomatic preparations underway
- Malta – September 2025, signaling support within the EU
The High-Level General Debate of the 80th U.N. General Assembly will begin on Sept. 23.
The series of recognitions and announcements accelerated following Israel’s attacks on Gaza.
September 16, 2025 02:12 PM GMT+03:00