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Police recover body of missing 43-year-old real estate mogul in Bayelsa

Operatives of the Rapid Response Unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command on Saturday evening recovered the corpse of missing  real estate operator, Ekpeboh Richard, after days he was declared missing by his family.

His decomposing body was recovered from the forest between New NDDC Road and Otuokpoti in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

Police discovered the deceased was shot in the head in an execution-style and dumped in the bush.

A graduate of the Niger Delta University, Ekpeboh is the Vice Chairman of the  Real Estate Consultants Association of Bayelsa and hails from Amassoma in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state. He is married with two kids.

He left home on July 24, 2025, and his wife became worried at around 2 a.m. when he failed to return home.

According to family sources, all calls by the worried wife to his mobile phone were left unanswered until three days later via WhatsApp chat, when he purportedly asked her not to mount unnecessary pressure on him and that he was okay.

Further prompted by the wife that she would reach out to the extended family to ask him why he abandoned the house was met by a promise to send money via POS, where the sum of N15,300 was purportedly sent to a POS agent and not her account.

The family source also revealed that he owes two persons the sums of N9 million and N3 million, respectively, within the association.

However, it was later discovered that those who abducted and killed him were the ones using his phone to chat with his worried wife.

The RRS operatives, working on intelligence, youths, and an eyewitness, discovered that two young men in a blue-coloured Honda V-Boot car had dragged the deceased out and took him deep into the forest. “What we heard later were two gunshots. And the two young men scampered to their car and left.

“They also left with the deceased’s car, a Toyota Matrix.”

Police investigators discovered that there was a struggle between the deceased and his killers, with footwear discovered a few metres from where the body was discovered.

“We, the youths, assisted in recovering the body. The place he was dumped was a swamp. His head was blown off by gunshot,” one of the youths revealed.

Our correspondent gathered from sources at the Police Headquarters that the Homicide Department of the State Criminal Investigation Department have taken over the case and is already working on two leads.

“We are looking at the fact that it may be a case of business deals gone wrong with members of his Association of Real Estate Consultants, or that he may be involved in a cybercrime or money laundering deal that went wrong.”
“We will get to the root of the matter and bring the culprits to book,” a police source stated.

A senior police officer, who confirmed the development, told our correspondent that the Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, is fully aware of the development. (Guardian)

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2027: Ogun PDP endorses Tinubu as presidential candidate

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its 2023 gubernatorial candidate in the state, Ladi Adebutu, on Monday endorsed President Bola Tinubu as their candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

The State party chairman, Abayomi Tella, disclosed this in Sagamu, at the official campaign flag-off and inauguration of the campaign council for Bolarinwa Oluwole, the PDP candidate for the Remo Federal Constituency bye-election.

Bolarinwa is seeking to replace the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, the former lawmaker representing the constituency, who passed away in January after a brief illness.

Addressing the party faithful at the palace of Akarigbo of Remoland, Tella said Ogun PDP has adopted President Tinubu as its candidate because he is from the Southwest.

“We will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Though he is in the opposition, let us support our own from the Southwest. Our support is for Tinubu, and we will stand by him. We are ready to give him our votes. The whole of the Southwest will give him our votes.

“We are going to support him. We will give him our votes. All we want in that election is fairness and justice,” Tella said.

Speaking on the recent defection of the party’s former governorship running mate, Adekunle Akinlade, and others to the ruling APC in the state, he described them as immaterial, stressing that most of them lack political weight.

He said, “Do not be discouraged by the defections. Those who left—what did they contribute to the party? Even their polling units, they couldn’t deliver. We are not moved by that,” he added.

Also speaking, Adebutu said Ogun PDP holds no grudge against Tinubu and his candidacy.

He, however, accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of bad governance and vowed that the PDP will challenge the ruling APC in the state come 2027.

He said, “I was with the President in January, and I told him that we have no issue with his leadership and candidacy.

“We, however, have an issue with bad governance in Ogun State; that is why we must have this platform to challenge bad governance.”

He emphasised the importance of winning the bye-election and the need to challenge bad governance in the state.

Adebutu noted that the party won 34 wards out of 35 in the previous election in the federal constituency, saying the APC-led government has lost goodwill due to its conduct.

Adebutu rallied support for the PDP candidate, describing the bye-election as an opportunity to punish bad governance and restore sanity.

On his part, the PDP candidate for the Remo Federal Constituency, Hon. Bolarinwa Oluwole, pledged quality representation if elected.

The National Vice Chairman of PDP, Engr Kamorudeen Ajisafe, presented the party’s flag to the candidate, Bolarinwa Oluwole. (Vanguard)

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Brazil beat Colombia in hard-fought final to defend Women’s Copa

Brazil clinched their ninth Women’s Copa America title Saturday, edging Colombia 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 4-4 draw in the Quito final.

The decider at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado saw Colombia take the lead three times, only for Brazil to respond on each occasion.

Brazil great Marta forced extra time with a late equalizer and the veteran struck again in the 105th minute to seemingly seal the victory.

But a resilient Colombia found yet another equalizer to send the encounter to penalties, where Brazil’s experience ultimately prevailed.

“I think women’s football has been growing a lot. I think the trend is for it to be more competitive. Everyone here deserved a match like this. Congratulations to Colombia too,” Brazil’s Amanda Gutierres said.

“This means a lot. I think it’s Brazil’s job. It’s that mentality of never giving up. That’s a source of pride for Brazil. I think it means a lot to Brazilians.”

Both teams created early chances, but the breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Colombia’s Linda Caicedo capped off a tidy passing move with a composed low finish from close range.

Brazil got the equalizer in the dying moments of the first half when Angelina stepped up to calmly convert a penalty after VAR confirmed a foul by Jorelyn Carabali on Gio Garbelini.

Colombia regained the lead in the 69th minute via a Brazil own goal, defender Tarciane attempting a routine back pass to goalkeeper Lorena but unaware that she had already charged off her line to collect the ball.

Gutierres equalized for Brazil again 10 minutes from time with her sixth goal in the tournament, a fierce strike off Garbelini’s pass, but striker Mayra Ramirez restored Colombia’s lead by netting after a quick counter-attack eight minutes later.

“Las Cafeteras” were within touching distance of their first continental title until Marta, introduced as a late substitute, delivered a moment of magic with a stunning equalizer six minutes into stoppage time, forcing the game into extra time.

Marta struck again in the 105th minute when she tapped in a fine cross from Angelina, but Colombia turned things around again as Leicy Santos’ brilliant free kick sailed into the top corner in the 115th minute.

The penalty shootout mirrored the drama of the match, with Colombia taking the early advantage after Angelina’s miss.

However, when Manuela Pavi failed to convert and goalkeeper Lorena saved Leicy Santos’ effort as Brazil held the advantage.

Marta had the chance to seal victory, but Katherine Tapia’s save sent the shootout to sudden death, where Carabali’s miss finally handed Brazil their ninth continental title. (DailySabah)

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D’Tigress outclass Mali 78-64 to extend AfroBasket reign

Nigeria extended their dominance in African women’s basketball on Sunday, defeating Mali 78-64 in Ivory Coast to win a record fifth consecutive FIBA AfroBasket Women’s title, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The triumph not only cemented their dominance over the continent but also broke Senegal’s four-in-a-row streak from 1974 to 1981, establishing Nigeria as the first side in history to win the championship five times consecutively.

Nigeria, who have now won seven African titles, wasted no time asserting themselves. D’Tigress surged to a 12-0 scoring run early in the game, establishing a rhythm that Mali struggled to disrupt.

However, it was the Malians who claimed the first quarter 26-21.

Coach Rena Wakama’s side recovered from the five-point deficit to clinch the second quarter 20-15, as both teams went into the half-time interval level at 41-41 apiece.

The third quarter also went the way of D’Tigress, who clinched it by another 20-15 scoreline.

In the fourth quarter, Nigeria began to run down the clock as they tried to cling to their advantage. The last 10 minutes of the quarter finished in favour of D’Tigress 17-8 as Nigeria powered to yet another continental title.

The win saw Nigeria extend their unbeaten streak at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament to 29 games, stretching back the last 10 years.

Also, they have secured an automatic spot at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria’s Amy Okonkwo was named the Most Valuable Player, winning the award for a second consecutive tournament.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu congratulated the D’Tigress for the feat, hailing their performance as a source of national pride.

“You did it, girls! D’Tigress Superb performance to become 5x consecutive Champions of Africa and seventh overall. Well done, Coach Rena and the team. You have made Nigeria proud. I am expecting you all, along with the trophy,” the president wrote in a post on X.

Key to Nigeria’s success was a balanced offensive performance and clinical execution. They shot 49.18 per cent from the field, outclassing Mali’s 37 per cent. The inside game was particularly telling, with Nigeria converting 59.46 per cent of their two-point attempts compared to Mali’s 44.12 per cent.

In contrast, both teams were less efficient from long range, with Nigeria making 8 of 24 from beyond the arc, while Mali hit just 7 of 26.

Leading the scoring for Nigeria was guard Ezinne Kalu, who poured in 20 points on 53.85 per cent shooting, also registering five assists, four rebounds and a perfect 4/4 from the free throw line.

Amy Okonkwo, who played the full 40 minutes, contributed a crucial double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds, shooting a superb 63.64 per cent from the field and registering an efficiency rating of 26.

Murjanatu Musa dominated the paint, grabbing 12 rebounds alongside nine points and three steals. Veteran point guard Promise Amukamara was the engine of Nigeria’s fluid offence, dishing out a game-high 11 assists and finishing with a +16 plus-minus despite scoring just eight points.

Victoria Macaulay added 10 points off the bench, offering Nigeria much-needed depth. In contrast, Nigeria’s bench contributed 22 points overall, slightly outscored by Mali’s 26, but it was Nigeria’s starting five that made the difference.

Collectively, Nigeria totalled 24 assists and committed 14 turnovers, a figure Mali could not exploit fully despite Nigeria’s occasional lapses.

Defensively, Nigeria were disciplined. They managed eight steals and conceded only 13 personal fouls, keeping Mali’s offensive threats at bay. The rebounding battle was narrowly lost, with Mali edging it 37 to 36, but Nigeria’s 27 defensive rebounds were vital in limiting second-chance points.

Despite grabbing fewer offensive rebounds (nine to Mali’s 13), Nigeria still outscored their opponents in the paint with 40 points to Mali’s 26.

Perhaps the most telling statistic was points off turnovers. Nigeria converted 17 Mali turnovers into 17 points, compared to Mali’s 14 points off Nigeria’s 14 turnovers.

Fast-break points also tilted in Nigeria’s favour, 10 to 5, as did second-chance points, 8 to 5. These margins, although modest, collectively illustrated Nigeria’s efficiency and composure in key moments.

With this victory, Nigeria’s unbeaten streak in the competition now stands at an extraordinary 29 games, dating back to 2015. (Punch)

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Steven Knight ‘can’t wait’ to write new Bond film

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight will write the forthcoming James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed.

The movie, which will be directed by Dune’s Denis Villeneuve, is currently in development and being overseen by the studio after long-serving masterminds Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stood down in February.

Knight told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: “It has always been on my bucket list and it’s fantastic to be invited to do it – I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m hoping that, being a Bond fan for so many years, it will be imbued into me and I will be able to produce something that’s the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder,” he added.

However, Knight did not shed any light on which actor might portray 007 in the next film.

Daniel Craig stepped down from the role in 2021 after starring in five Bond films, and there has been much speculation over who will replace him.

British actors Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton have been rumoured as frontrunners for the part, while Irish actor Paul Mescal’s name has also been thrown into the mix.

When asked about it, Knight said: “That is a very, very good question, and one I can’t give you the answer to.”

He did not elaborate as to whether this was because he does not know, or he is not allowed to reveal who it is, or because the decision hasn’t been made yet.

Knight is arguably most well-known for writing the Bafta-winning BBC One drama Peaky Blinders, starring Cillian Murphy, set in the streets of post-World War One Birmingham, which ran for six series and is also being made into a Netflix film.

He was Oscar-nominated in 2004 for Dirty Pretty Things, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Audrey Tautou, and wrote and created 2024 BBC One series This Town, set in 70s and 80s Coventry, which won a Royal Television Society award.

His other work also includes 2021’s Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart as Diana, Princess of Wales, which earned her an Oscar nomination.

The most recent Bond film, 2021’s No Time to Die, was written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, Cary Joji Fukunaga and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Speaking about his selection process for the latest film, Knight said: “I was invited to a meeting with [producer] Amy Pascal, didn’t know what it was about, and very quickly discovered what it was about and became very, very excited and hopeful.

“And then a process is followed where you do some meetings, you discuss some ideas, and then you find out you’ve got it.

“So I found out a while ago but it was announced last night, which is great.”

He agreed it was a “high pressure” job but said “you’ve just got to do what you do, do it as well as you can.”

The latest Bond film is being produced by Pascal and David Heyman, and Hollywood trade publication Variety has suggested it could be released in 2028. (BBC)

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Justin Timberlake reveals Lyme disease diagnosis

Justin Timberlake has said he is suffering from Lyme disease, a serious illness usually contracted after being bitten by a tick and that has seen an upsurge in prevalence across a swathe of the US in recent years.

In an Instagram post, the pop singer wrote: “I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease – which I don’t say so you feel bad for me – but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.”

He added: “If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has – then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically. When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be on stage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.”

Timberlake’s post came at the end of more than a year of him being on tour, which kicked off in April 2024, about one month after he released the album Everything I Thought It Was.

The singer faced scrutiny following perceived lackluster performances on the road, with some who bought tickets criticizing the concert on social media. Recently, some fans and commentators have pointed out what they felt were signs of fatigue or ill health during his performances.

Timberlake addressed the concerns, saying: “I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”

He added: “Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget. I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”

His statement on social media was met with an outpouring of support from fans. “You are so loved, and we’ll be here supporting whatever you decide to do next,” said one. Another added: “Justin you are so appreciated. Thank you for showing up for us time and time again. Take care of yourself. We love you and will continue to ride for you.”

According to Billboard, the Forget Tomorrow world tour pushed Timberlake to the 10th spot of Billboard‘s midyear Boxscore report of touring artists, with the tour grossing $73.2m across 41 shows as of late May.

Timberlake is not the first famous musician who has spoken out publicly about their struggles with a diagnosis of Lyme disease, a condition which can cause a rash and symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue and muscle and joint aches. Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and Shania Twain have also revealed they have suffered from the illness.

Lyme disease can last many months or even years. Potentially disease-bearing ticks have been flourishing recently in the US, especially as climate change leads to warmer summers that encourage tick populations to thrive.

This year, as compared to recent years, there has been an increase in the reported number of ticks and visits to the emergency room because of bites from the tiny parasitic arachnid, according to data from universities and the US federal government.

In May and June this year, the US has seen the highest number of emergency room visits during those months for tick bites since 2019, according to the CDC.

Timberlake began his career as a “Mouseketeer” on the All-New Mickey Mouse Club in 1993, where his cast mates included fellow singers Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. He rose to fame in the popular boy band ‘NSync, before going solo in 2002 and going on to become one of the best-selling pop artists of the 2000s. (Guardian)

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Disney drops ‘Zootopia 2’ trailer

They’re about to make “hisssstory” in an adventure with the first snake ever seen in Zootopia… but remember… never pull a bunny’s ears! Disney just dropped the Official trailer to Zootopia 2, the highly anticipated sequel to its Oscar-winning 2016 animated comedy, Zootopia.

In the film, after cracking the biggest case in Zootopia’s history, rookie cops Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman) find their partnership isn’t as solid as they thought when Chief Bogo (voice of Idris Elba) orders them to join the Partners in Crisis counseling program. But it doesn’t take long for their partnership to be put to the ultimate test when they find themselves on the twisting trail of a mystery tied to the arrival of a venomous snake in the animal metropolis.

The film introduces Gary De’Snake (voice of Ke Huy Quan), Nibbles (voice of Fortune Feimster) and quokka therapist Dr. Fuzzby (voice of Quinta Brunson); it also welcomes back Idris Elba (voice of Chief Bogo); Bonnie Hunt (voice of Bonnie Hopps); Don Lake (voice of Stu Hopps); Nate Torrence (voice of Clawhauser); Jenny Slate (voice of Bellwether); Alan Tudyk (voice of Duke Weaselton); Maurice LaMarche (voice of Mr. Big); Leah Latham (voice of Fru Fru); Josh Dallas (voice of Frantic Pig); Tommy Chong (voice of Yax); Mark Rhino Smith (voice of Officer McHorn); Raymond Persi (voice of Flash); and Shakira (voice of Gazelle).

“It’s been an absolute joy to reteam with so many actors who made the first film so special, and so exciting to expand the world with our phenomenal new cast members,” said director/writer Jared Bush (chief creative officer for Walt Disney Animation Studios). “I can’t wait for audiences to see what other surprises we have in store in this brand-new adventure.”

From the Oscar-winning team of Bush and Byron Howard (directors) and Yvett Merino (producer).

In theaters November 26. (AWN)

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Fans join Lionesses for ‘unbelievable’ Euros parade

England’s triumphant squad had misgivings about how popular their Euro 2025 parade would be, but they need not have worried as 65,000 fans joined their celebrations in London – as well as members of the Royal Family.

The Lionesses held an open-top bus parade along The Mall after becoming back-to-back European champions with a dramatic win over Spain on Sunday.

Fans lined the route before gathering around a stage in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace, where some of the players were interviewed by former Lioness Alex Scott.

“I’ve been crying all the way down The Mall,” said captain Leah Williamson.

“This is unbelievable, probably one of the best things we’ve been a part of.”

The 28-year-old Arsenal defender added: “We’re making history every single step. Stay with us, this story is not done yet.”

Chloe Kelly, who scored England’s winning goal at 2022 and the decisive penalty in Sunday’s shootout, said: “Pressure, what pressure?”

The 27-year-old Arsenal forward described how special the team’s support has been at home and at the Euros in Switzerland.

She added: “[It is] so good to stand side by side with every single one of these girls throughout the whole tournament, and the staff that you don’t see behind the scenes. It’s incredible.”

Princess Beatrice of York attended the parade and there was a surprise for England coach Sarina Wiegman as her favourite singer Burna Boy joined the squad on stage.

The Dutchwoman then sang and danced along as the Nigerian sang his hit For My Hand.

“Yeah, Sarina’s got rhythm,” Washington Spirit defender Esme Morgan told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“She absolutely loves Burna Boy. I can’t believe it. Her face when they brought Burna Boy out was a picture. None of us could believe it to be honest and, yeah, she was busting out some moves and singing away, so that was a special moment.”

The Football Association (FA) said at least 65,000 people attended the parade and Morgan added: “A few of us said the other day ‘we hope the parade is not the full length of The Mall because there might not be enough people to fill it’.

“We were like ‘what if that happens?’ – but we showed up today and it was absolutely packed, I can’t believe it. You don’t realise the scale of how many people watch and support us, and yeah, we feel so lucky.”

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It was funny, the players kept asking us ‘do you think people will really come?’

“And we were like ‘yeah, they definitely will come’. We’d seen crowds yesterday coming to meet them at the airport so we were really confident, but the British public are just incredible and really did us proud today.”

The England squad flew back to Southend airport on Monday before attending a reception at Downing Street. (BBC)

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Court sentences Hafsoh Lawal’s killer, Bello, to death

After four months of trial, Justice Hannah Olushola Ajayi of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin today, Thursday, sentenced Abdulrahman Bello, the suspected killer of Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal, a 24-year-old final-year student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, to death by hanging.

The court, however, discharged and acquitted four other suspects: Ahmed Abdulwasiu ‘M’, 41 years; Suleiman Muyideen ‘M’, 28 years; Jamiu Uthman ‘M’, 29 years; and Abdulrahmon Jamiu ‘M’, 31 years.

Recall that Alfa AbdulRahman Bello, the killer of the final-year student of Kwara State College of Education Ilorin, Hafsoh Lawal, at the commencement of the trial confessed before the court to killing his Facebook lover for money rituals.

He also claimed to be an Islamic cleric and that he carried out the act all alone.

Bello, who said he killed Lawal because he needed human hands for money rituals, regretted that if only he had known another way to source the needed ingredient, he wouldn’t have killed her.

On February 13, 2025, Hafsoh Lawal was said to be attending a naming ceremony of her friend’s newbornbaby when AbdulRahman Bello called her to his residence somewhere around Offa garage area of Ilorin.

AbdulRahman Bello, during the trial, told the court that after having bouts of sex with Hafsoh, he choked her by the neck, after which she passed on, and he then dismembered her body.

At another time, AbdulRahman Bello said Hafsoh Bello died of asthma after having rounds of sex with her and that the fear of how to dispose of the lifeless body caused him to dismember her body. (Vanguard)

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Canada to recognise Palestinian state at UN General Assembly

Canada plans to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday, a major policy shift that drew an angry response from US President Donald Trump and was rejected by Israel.

Carney said the move was necessary to preserve hopes of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a long-standing Canadian goal that was “being eroded before our eyes.”

“Canada intends to recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025,” the prime minister said.

This makes Canada — a G7 nation — the third country, following recent announcements by France and the United Kingdom, to signal plans to recognise a Palestinian state in September.

Carney said the worsening suffering of civilians in Gaza left “no room for delay in coordinated international action to support peace.”

Israel blasted Canada’s announcement as part of a “distorted campaign of international pressure,” while Trump warned that trade negotiations with Ottawa may not proceed smoothly.

“Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine,” the US president wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them.”

Asked by reporters if there was a scenario where Canada could change its position before the UN meeting, Carney said: “There’s a scenario (but) possibly one that I can’t imagine.”

Canada’s intention “is predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reforms,” Carney said, referring to the body led by President Mahmoud Abbas, which has civil authority in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Carney said his plans were further predicated on Abbas’s pledge to “hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarise the Palestinian state.”

With Wednesday’s announcement, Carney positioned Canada alongside France, after President Emmanuel Macron said his country would formally recognise a Palestinian state during the UN meeting, the most powerful European nation to announce such a move.

The Israeli embassy in Ottawa said, “Recognising a Palestinian state in the absence of accountable government, functioning institutions, or benevolent leadership, rewards and legitimises the monstrous barbarity of Hamas on October 7, 2023.”

The PA’s Abbas welcomed the announcement as a “historic” decision, while France said the countries would work together “to revive the prospect of peace in the region.”

Canada’s plan goes a step further than this week’s announcement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Starmer said the UK will formally recognise the State of Palestine in September unless Israel takes various “substantive steps,” including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.

Carney stressed that Canada has been an unwavering member of the group of nations that hoped a two-state solution “would be achieved as part of a peace process built around a negotiated settlement between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority.”

“Regrettably, this approach is no longer tenable,” he said, citing “Hamas terrorism” and the group’s “longstanding violent rejection of Israel’s right to exist.”

The peace process has also been eroded by the expansion of Israeli settlements across the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, Carney said.

The prime minister said a two-state solution was growing increasingly remote, with a vote in Israel’s parliament “calling for the annexation of the West Bank,” as well as Israel’s “ongoing failure” to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

He framed his decision as one aimed at safeguarding Israel’s future.

“Any path to lasting peace for Israel also requires a viable and stable Palestinian state, and one that recognises Israel’s inalienable right to security and peace,” Carney said. (Punch)