'Canada condemns the fact that the Israeli government has let the situation deteriorate in Gaza,' says Prime Minister Mark Carney
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.
He noted that "the prospects for a two-state solution have been steadily and gravely eroded" due to the acceleration of illegal Israeli settlement building in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as illegal Israeli settler violence and legislative moves such as a recent Knesset vote calling for annexation of the occupied West Bank.
Saying that Foreign Minister Anita Anand and other Cabinet members are providing resources to support governance reforms in Palestine, he affirmed that the Palestinian group Hamas can have "no role in the future state."
He emphasized the importance of a demilitarized Palestinian state committed to living peacefully beside Israel.
"In the coming days, we will intensify our efforts with international partners to develop a credible peace plan," said Carney, explaining that the plan will include governance and security frameworks for Palestine and ensure humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
He said it aims to support "a future that respects the dignity, security, and aspirations of all Palestinians and Israelis."
Asked how recognition would contribute to peace, Carney said it reinforces key principles, including the return of hostages and the demilitarization of the future state.
"We are part of processes that are working toward peace, that have strength in breadth and in number," he said, noting the involvement of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt.
Emphasizing that Canada's decision is based on the principle of self-determination and comes at a moment of urgency, he further said: "The prospect of a Palestinian state is literally receding before our eyes."
Carney also announced upcoming legislation that will make it a criminal offense to intentionally obstruct access to places of worship, schools or community centers.
"Basic security is an inalienable right of every human being," he added.
"The two-state solution Canada supports is built on the promise of Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace and security," he said.
