Canada to recognize State of Palestine in September: PM

OTTAWA - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that Canada plans to recognize the State of Palestine in September.

According to a statement issued by the prime minister's office, Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly because prospects for a two-state solution have been steadily and gravely eroded.

"This intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to much-needed reforms, including the commitments by Palestinian Authority 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," said the statement.

"We reiterate that Hamas must immediately release all hostages taken in the horrific terrorist attack of October 7; that Hamas must disarm; and that Hamas must play no role in the future governance of Palestine," added the statement.