TORONTO — Canada plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday, the latest in a series of symbolic announcements that are part of a broader global shift against Israel’s policies in Gaza.
Carney convened a Cabinet meeting to discuss the situation in the battered Palestinian territory. He said it came after he discussed the crisis with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer who announced a similar move on Tuesday.
Leaders are under mounting pressure over the issue as scenes of hunger in Gaza have horrified so many across the world.
“The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” Carney said.
“Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.”
Carney said the intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority “holding general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state.”
It wasn’t immediately clear how much of a condition Carney’s caveat represented — an election in the wrecked strip is not likely anytime soon.
Pressure to formally recognize Palestinian statehood has mounted since French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country will become the first major Western power to recognize a Palestinian state in September.
As with France and the U.K., Canadian recognition would be largely symbolic, but it’s part of a broader global shift against Israel and could increase diplomatic pressure for an end to the conflict.
Malta also joined this group of countries by telling a high-level U.N. meeting Wednesday that it will formally recognize the state of Palestine in September.
More than 140 countries recognize a Palestinian state, including a dozen in Europe. Macron’s announcement last week made France the first Group of Seven country — and the largest in Europe — to take that step.
Canada has long supported the idea of an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel, but has said recognition should come as part of a negotiated two-state solution to the conflict.
