NEW YORK — Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with global leaders at the United Nations General Assembly later today. This follows Canada's recent recognition of Palestinian statehood, a move that has faced criticism from the Trump administration. On Sunday, Canada was joined by the United Kingdom, Australia, and Portugal in acknowledging an independent Palestinian state. This recognition comes as leaders gather in New York City for the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The recognition of Palestinian statehood has sparked backlash from Israel and the Trump administration. They argue that this decision could empower Hamas, the group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks, and complicate efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages. The United States has previously blocked several UN Security Council resolutions that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, claiming they did not adequately condemn Hamas.

In a related development, 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 condemned the recognition of a Palestinian state by Canada and its allies, stating that it "will not happen" and accusing them of providing a "prize" to Hamas.

Rubio and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand discussed the situation on Sunday. According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, they emphasized the need to address Hamas's ongoing obstruction of peace in Gaza. They also talked about the necessity for the UN Security Council to pass a resolution to establish a UN Support Office for Haiti and a gang suppression force.

Netanyahu is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Friday before heading to Washington for a meeting with Trump. He indicated that he would announce Israel's response to the recognition after his trip. Hamas has welcomed the recognition of Palestinian statehood and called for the international community to isolate Israel, rejecting Israel's right to exist.

Carney is expected to speak at a high-level segment focused on Palestine and the implementation of a two-state solution, which envisions a peaceful Palestinian state existing alongside Israel. He will also meet with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Kenya's President William Ruto.

Earlier today, Carney participated in a fireside chat at the Council on Foreign Relations. He met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday, where he reiterated Canada's commitment to a two-state solution and the importance of stability in the region. They discussed the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the rapid increase of humanitarian aid.