Prime Minister Mark Carney is in New York for the 80th United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to meet with global leaders following Canada’s landmark decision to recognize an independent Palestinian state.
Canada joined the United Kingdom, Australia, and Portugal on Sunday in a coordinated international effort to support Palestinian statehood. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Israel and the Trump administration, which argue it will embolden Hamas and complicate efforts to secure a ceasefire and release hostages.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio escalated tensions ahead of the UNGA by revoking the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials, while reiterating that Washington’s focus remains on “serious diplomacy” and ensuring Israel’s security. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognitions as a “prize” for Hamas and said Israel’s formal response will come after his upcoming White House meeting with Trump.
Hamas, meanwhile, praised the international recognition and urged more nations to isolate Israel.
Carney is scheduled to participate in a high-level session on Palestine and the two-state solution before holding bilateral meetings with other world leaders. He will also appear in a fireside chat at the Council on Foreign Relations.
According to a readout from the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday to emphasize Canada’s long-standing support for a two-state solution, call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and press for humanitarian relief and the release of hostages.