Canada, France discuss Gaza as both plan to recognize Palestinian statehood

HAMILTON, Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip with French President Emmanuel Macron in a phone call Wednesday.

"The two leaders discussed the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza, emphasizing the need for international co-operation to ensure peace and security in the Middle East," said a statement by the Prime Minister's Office.

Addressing France's efforts "to advance progress on a two-state solution," Carney also hailed the latest three-day high-level UN conference on a two-state solution.

"The leaders discussed next steps, building on the commitments made at the conference this week," it added.

Stressing Canada's commitment to "increase its efforts to promote peace and stability in the region," the statement affirmed that "the leaders agreed to work closely together, alongside the E3 (nations) and other allies, toward this goal."

After France and the UK, Canada also announced that it intends to recognize Palestine as a state during the 80th UN General Assembly in September.