Speaking at a press conference following a Canadian Cabinet meeting, Carney stated: "Canada has long been committed to the two-state solution - an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security."

The Prime Minister explained that Canada "intends to recognize Palestine during the 80th UN General Assembly because the Palestinian Authority has committed to much-needed reforms." He added that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had assured him the PA would hold long-awaited elections in 2026 and committed to keeping a future Palestinian state demilitarized.

Canada's announcement comes amid renewed international focus on Gaza, particularly the worsening hunger crisis caused by Israel's blockade preventing food and humanitarian aid from reaching the territory. The decision follows similar declarations from France, which plans to recognize Palestine in September, and Britain, which has conditioned its recognition on the situation in Gaza not improving.

In related developments, the Canadian PM's office revealed Carney spoke by phone yesterday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, discussing both "the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza" and Britain's statement regarding Palestinian statehood recognition.