Canada to recognise Palestinian state at United Nations General Assembly in 2025
Published on: Thu, Jul 31, 2025
By: AFP Text Size: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during a press conference after a Cabinet meeting to discuss both trade negotiations with the US and the situation in the Middle East, at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on July 30, 2025. - AFP OTTAWA: Canada will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed on Wednesday. The decision marks a significant shift in Canadian foreign policy, aligning with France's recent announcement. Carney stated, 'Canada intends to recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.' He emphasised that the move aims to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution, which he said is 'being eroded before our eyes.' The announcement follows French President Emmanuel Macron's declaration that France would also recognise Palestine during the UN session. Israel has strongly opposed such moves, calling them a 'reward for terror,' while former US President Donald Trump dismissed the decision as ineffective. Carney cited Israel's failure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing settlement expansions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as key reasons for the policy shift. 'For decades, it was hoped that a two-state solution would emerge through negotiations,' he said, adding that current conditions have made this prospect increasingly unlikely. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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