Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country intends to recognize the state of Palestine at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025 — a dramatic shift in foreign policy that he said is intended to keep alive hope for a two-state solution.

“Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly,” Carney said.

Canada joins France in its decision after President Emmanuel Macron earlier said Paris would also formally support the creation of a Palestinian state at the UN. France is the most influential European country to announce such a move so far.

Macron’s statement drew a sharp reaction from Israel, which called the decision a “reward for terror.” US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, dismissed the move as “senseless.”

Carney stressed that Canada's decision is consistent with its long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. | BGNES