Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet with world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly on Monday after joining other nations in recognizing Palestinian statehood, even as the Trump administration pushes back against international efforts to condemn the turmoil in the Middle East.
The United Kingdom, Australia and Portugal joined Canada in recognizing an independent Palestinian state on Sunday before leaders from around the world descended on New York City for the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly this week. Other nations are expected to follow.
Israel and the Trump administration have condemned the move, saying it will embolden Hamas and make ceasefire talks more difficult. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials ahead of the General Assembly. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the recognition a “prize” for Hamas.
Canada’s move follows Ottawa’s recent recognition of Palestinian statehood, a decision that has already drawn international reactions. Read more: Canada Recognizes Palestinian State Amid Middle East Tensions.
Carney is scheduled to attend a high-level segment on Palestine and the implementation of a two-state solution before meeting with other leaders. Earlier on Monday, he will participate in a fireside chat at the Council on Foreign Relations.
The Prime Minister’s Office said Carney reinforced Canada’s long-standing support for a two-state solution and lasting stability in the region during his meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday. Both spoke about the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and the rapid scale-up of humanitarian relief.
