Canada to Recognise State of Palestine at UNGA 2025 Announces PM Mark Carney

Ottawa-In a major diplomatic shift, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will formally recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. The announcement comes amid rising global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing violence in the region.

Speaking at a press conference in Ottawa, Carney stated that Canada could no longer remain silent in the face of “intolerable suffering” in Gaza. “It is time for Canada to stand on the right side of history. Recognition of Palestinian statehood is a step toward lasting peace, justice, and dignity for all,” he said.

The decision marks a significant change in Canada's foreign policy, which has traditionally maintained a balanced approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The move aligns Canada with over 140 UN member states that have already recognised Palestine as a sovereign state.

International response has been mixed. Palestinian leaders welcomed the decision as a “historic moment,” while Israeli officials expressed disappointment, warning it could undermine peace negotiations.

Canada’s official recognition is expected to be formalised in a statement at the UNGA in New York in September, making it one of the first G7 nations to take this step in recent years.