Canada “intends” to recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced. “Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025,” Carney stated at a press conference, following the lead of France and the United Kingdom.
France welcomed the Canadian government’s announcement, according to sources from the Élysée Palace. The sources added that President Emmanuel Macron had previously discussed the matter with the Canadian Prime Minister.
Former US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Canada’s move. Commenting on trade relations with Canada via his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “Wow! Canada just announced its support for the formation of a Palestinian State. This will make it very difficult for us to conclude a trade deal with them. Oh Canada!!!” Trump also labeled British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to recognize Palestine “a reward for Hamas,” stating the US disagreed with Starmer’s commitment, though clarifying he hadn’t personally discussed it with him.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hailed Canada’s “historic” and “courageous” decision during a phone call with Carney, reported the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Abbas stated the recognition “will strengthen peace, stability, and security in the region,” calling it “a courageous stance at a critical historical moment to save the two-state solution.”
Conversely, Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Canadian position, asserting: “The change in the Canadian government’s position at this time is a reward for Hamas and harms efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a deal for the release of hostages.”