PRIME Minister Mark Carney said on Wednesday that “Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.”

He said in a statement: “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.

“For decades, it was hoped that this outcome would be achieved as part of a peace process built around a negotiated settlement between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.

“Regrettably, this approach is no longer tenable. Prospects for a two-state solution have been steadily and gravely eroded, including by:

“* The pervasive threat of Hamas terrorism to Israel and its people, culminating in the heinous terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and Hamas’ longstanding violent rejection of Israel’s right to exist and a two-state solution.

“* The accelerated settlement building across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while settler violence against Palestinians has soared.

“* Actions such as the E1 Settlement Plan and this month’s vote by the Knesset calling for the annexation of the West Bank.

“* The ongoing failure by the Israeli government to prevent the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza, with impeded access to food and other essential humanitarian supplies.

“The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delay in co-ordinated international action to support peace, security, and the dignity of all human life. Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism, and honouring their innate desire for the peaceful co-existence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future.”

Carney said that for these reasons, Canada intends to recognize a Palestinian state.

The Prime Minister added: “This intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reforms, including the commitments by Palestinian Authority President Abbas to fundamentally reform its governance, to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state. 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.

“We reiterate that Hamas must immediately release all hostages taken in the horrific terrorist attack of October 7; that Hamas must disarm; and that Hamas must play no role in the future governance of Palestine. Canada will always steadfastly support Israel’s existence as an independent state in the Middle East living in peace and security. Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state, and one that recognizes Israel’s inalienable right to security and peace.

“Canada has already committed over $340 million in humanitarian aid to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza including $30 million in new funding to help address the needs of Palestinian civilians, and $10 million to support the Palestinian Authority’s role in stabilizing and governing the West Bank. We are working with our allies to deliver immediate assistance to those in dire need.

“We will intensify our efforts with our international partners to develop a credible peace plan that establishes governance and security arrangements for Palestine and ensures the delivery of humanitarian aid at the necessary scale to Gaza. Canada will be a constructive partner in building a just, meaningful, and lasting peace in the region, and a future that respects the dignity, security, and aspirations of all Palestinians and Israelis.”

THE Conservative Party said in a statement: “Conservatives have long supported a two-state solution—one that allows a future Palestinian state to exist peacefully, securely, and prosperously alongside the State of Israel.

“But recognizing a Palestinian state in the aftermath of the October 7 terrorist atrocities sends the wrong message to the world: that violence and terror are effective tools for achieving political objectives. If the government recognizes the Palestinian state now, it is impossible that Hamas will not play a central role. Surely, Canadians cannot support validating Hamas with the status of government.

“Hamas launched an unprovoked and barbaric attack on Israel—murdering civilians, raping women, and taking hostages. That same terrorist organization continues to hold hostages and fire rockets, all while using innocent Palestinians as human shields. The suffering of Palestinians is real, and their lives are precious—but Hamas is to blame for that suffering, and peace cannot come through appeasement.

“A unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood, without peace negotiations or a renunciation of violence, destroys the path to a durable, two-state solution. Worse, it legitimizes terrorism by handing political rewards to a group that rules Gaza through fear, oppression, and brutality.

“While Conservatives stand firmly with the people of Israel, the Liberal government has turned its back on decades of Canadian support for Israel and has failed to stand up to rising antisemitism and extremism here at home.

“Conservatives will not cave to political pressure or reward terror with recognition. We stand for peace, security, and the right of our allies to defend themselves against those who seek their destruction.”

THE NDP Critic for Foreign Affairs, Heather McPherson, said in a statement: “Today’s announcement by the federal government that Canada will recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations in September is a welcome step forward — and it is thanks to the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who have spoken up for justice and peace over the past 21 months. This decision reflects the power of the people to push governments to do the right thing.

“On behalf of New Democrats, I congratulate those many Canadians — especially members of the Palestinian Canadian community — on this hard-won victory, following months of grief, horror, and frustration at Canada’s inaction.

“For nearly two years, New Democrats have urged the Liberals to do the right thing and recognize Palestine as a step toward a two-state solution that benefits everyone in the region — including Israelis and Palestinians. Experts agree: the time for recognition is now. Many of Canada’s former ambassadors agree: the time is now. The majority of Canadians agree: the time is now.

“It should not have taken the Liberals this long to make this decision — and it should not take until September to implement it. Under international law, the State of Palestine already exists, and the majority of the world — 148 countries — recognize it.

“The Liberals should recognize the State of Palestine today – while also taking the political action necessary to end Canada’s complicity in this genocide, including imposing an arms embargo and sanctions on [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and his government and suspending the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement.”