STORY: Canada intends to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Wednesday (July 30), saying his goal was to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution.

Carney told reporters the planned move was predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to reforms, including commitments to fundamentally reform its governance and to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part.

Canada had long stated it would only recognize a Palestinian state at the conclusion of peace talks with Israel.

But Carney said the reality on the ground, including starvation of citizens in Gaza, meant "the prospect of a Palestinian state is literally receding before our eyes."

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY AND FOREIGN MINISTER ANITA ANAND HOLDNEWS CONFERENCE

SHOWS: OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA (JUNE 30, 2025) (CBC - No use Canada)

1. CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY AND CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ANITA ANAND WALK ON STAGE

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY, SAYING:

"For the reasons I cited earlier, Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. This intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to much-needed reforms, including commitments by the Palestinian Authority's President Abbas, to fundamentally reform its governance, to hold general elections in 2026, in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state. 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. I spoke today with President Abbas at length to reaffirm his commitment. Canada reiterates that Hamas must immediately release all hostages taken in the horrific terrorist attack of October 7th, that Hamas must disarm, and that Hamas must play no role in the future governance of Palestine."

3. SIDE SHOT OF CARNEY AT PODIUM

4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY, SAYING:

"Canada will always steadfastly support Israel's existence as an independent state in the Middle East, living in peace and security. Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state, and one that recognizes Israel's inalienable right to security and peace. "

5. SIDE SHOT OF CARNEY AT PODIUM

6. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY, SAYING:

"Canada will be a constructive partner in building a just, meaningful and lasting peace in the region and a future that respects the dignity, security and the aspirations of all Palestinians and Israelis."

7. SIDE SHOT OF CARNEY AT PODIUM

8. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY, SAYING:

"The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delay in coordinated international action to support peace, security and the dignity of human life. Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism, and it means honoring their innate desire for peaceful coexistence, peaceful coexistence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous long-term future. "

9. SIDE SHOT OF CARNEY AT PODIUM

10. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY, SAYING:

"The prospect for a two-state solution has been steadily and gravely eroded, including by the pervasive threat of Hamas terrorism to Israel and its people, culminating in the heinous attack of October 7th, 2023. The terrorist organization, Hamas's long-standing violent rejection of Israel's right to exist, and its rejection of a two-state solution. "

11. SIDE SHOT OF CARNEY AT PODIUM

12. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY, SAYING:

"A belief in a two-state solution, the inalienable rights of both peoples, and the fact that peace and security could only be achieved through it. That prospect, that possibility of a two-state solution, is being eroded before our eyes."

13. TIGHT SHOT OF CARNEY AT PODIUM

14. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY, SAYING:

"That has been one of the factors, that is, has brought us to this point to try to reverse with partners, we are not under illusions about the strength of Canada, but to reverse with partners, this cycle so that a two-state solution becomes viable. Lots more has to happen."

15. WIDE SIDE SHOT OF CARNEY SPEAKING

16. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY, SAYING:

"Look the, the United States is, is the essential partner in, in, in peace, in the Middle East, and, in virtually in, in many parts of the world. And we've seen, we've seen that demonstrated, first point. Second point is that the President does take a direct interest in resolving conflicts. And, as has, with respect to, a broader set of developments in the Middle East. And so, again, the United States, this president, will play and continue to play a central role. Others have responsibilities, Canada included."

17. SIDE SHOT OF CARNEY AT PODIUM

18. (SOUNDBITE) (English) CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER MARK CARNEY, SAYING:

"And part of this is, again, let us go back to where we started, which is we are working, ourselves, with others, to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution. "

19. SIDE SHOT OF CARNEY SPEAKING