Canada to recognize Palestine in September amid 'rapidly deteriorating' situation in Gaza

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Canada announced Wednesday that it would recognize Palestine as a state in September amid the "intolerable" humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

"Canada intends to recognize the state of Palestine at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2025," Prime Minister Mark Carney said during a news conference in Ottawa after chairing a virtual meeting with his Cabinet.

"Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution, an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security," he said.

Saying that Canada's plan to recognize Palestine as a state "is predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to much needed reform," Carney pledged that "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."

"Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state," he said.

Carney also stressed that "the level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable, and it's rapidly deteriorating."

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