On July 31, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will formally recognize the State of Palestine in September during the United Nations General Assembly, aligning with similar commitments from the United Kingdom and France. The decision, aimed at advancing a two-state solution, comes amid escalating humanitarian concerns in Gaza and ongoing Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank.

Speaking at a press conference in Ottawa, Carney stressed that recognition is contingent on significant democratic reforms by the Palestinian Authority, including national elections excluding Hamas. “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable and worsening,” Carney stated, pointing to the erosion of prospects for Palestinian statehood due to Israel’s policies and the lack of diplomatic progress.

The move positions Canada alongside G7 allies France and the UK, which recently signaled their intent to recognize Palestine unless Israel advances ceasefire efforts and negotiations. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Canada’s decision, arguing on X that it “rewards Hamas” and undermines ceasefire and hostage release efforts. Canada’s Conservative opposition echoed this, calling the timing inappropriate following the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage.

Carney defended the policy shift as independent, stating, “Canada charts its own course in foreign policy,” despite questions about coordination with the UK, France, or U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. remains the only UN Security Council permanent member not supporting Palestinian statehood. Hawkins, with 147 UN member states already recognizing Palestine.

The announcement follows an open letter from nearly 200 former Canadian diplomats urging action, citing Gaza’s dire situation—over 60,000 deaths and 154 malnutrition-related fatalities, including 89 children, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry. Carney, who discussed the decision with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, emphasized the need for Palestinian reforms, including demilitarization and improved governance.

Canada has long supported a negotiated two-state solution, but Carney noted that ongoing Israeli military actions and settlement growth render diplomacy “increasingly unviable.” The coordinated recognition by Canada, the UK, and France could heighten diplomatic pressure on Israel and spotlight the U.S.’s stance as the UN General Assembly approaches.