Ankara: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday announced that his country officially recognized the state of Palestine, pledging partnership to build peace between Palestine and Israel. "Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel," Carney wrote on the US social media company X ahead of the UN General Assembly.

According to Anadolu Agency, Carney stated that Canada's recognition comes "as part of a co-ordinated international effort to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution." He emphasized that since 1947, Canadian policy has consistently supported a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East. Carney also highlighted the need for Hamas to release all hostages, fully disarm, and refrain from participating in future governance of Palestine.

Carney further criticized Israeli actions, arguing that the current Israeli government is systematically undermining the prospect of a Palestinian state through settlement expansion in the West Bank, described as illegal under international law. He also noted Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza. Carney reaffirmed Canada's commitment to supporting international efforts for a credible peace plan, democratic governance, and humanitarian aid in Gaza.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that at least 65,283 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip since October 2023. This announcement follows Canada's previous expression of intent to recognize Palestine during the 80th UN General Assembly session in September 2025.

The UN General Assembly in New York is set to begin on Tuesday and will continue through September 29. Canada has reiterated its recognition of Palestinian self-determination and its support for a sovereign, independent, viable, democratic, and territorially contiguous Palestinian state.

On the same day, Australia and the UK also declared formal recognition of Palestine. Prior to this, France, Luxembourg, and Malta announced similar intentions to recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly.