Canadian MPs join international push for recognition of Palestinian state
Thirty Canadian Members of Parliament (MPs), including prominent leaders such as Jagmeet Singh of the NDP, Elizabeth May of the Green Party, and four Liberal caucus members, have united in solidarity with their counterparts in New Zealand and Australia to advocate for the recognition of a Palestinian state.
In a recently published open letter, over 100 parliamentarians from nine different political parties have urged their respective governments to join the 146 nations that have already acknowledged Palestinian statehood. This call for recognition comes on the heels of Canada’s initial support for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, which was first voiced nearly a year ago through a non-binding United Nations resolution.
The resolution, which was passed by the UN General Assembly with 153 votes in favor, 10 against, and 23 abstentions, was preceded by a joint statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alongside the leaders of Australia and New Zealand, appealing for a sustained ceasefire in the region. The conflict in Gaza, which has lasted for 13 months, has resulted in the loss of nearly 44,000 lives and the displacement of a significant portion of the enclave’s population. The campaign was launched in response to an attack by Hamas fighters that claimed 1,200 lives and led to the capture of over 250 hostages in Israel.
Heather McPherson, the NDP’s foreign affairs critic, emphasized the urgency of recognizing the State of Palestine, citing the escalating threats to the conditions necessary for a two-state solution. The open letter signed by the MPs underscores the potential for recognizing Palestinian statehood to reinvigorate rights-based peace negotiations and amplify the voices of moderation on both sides seeking a peaceful resolution in alignment with international law.
While Liberal MPs introduced a motion in September to explore the path towards recognizing Palestinian statehood, the proposal has sparked controversy. Government officials have affirmed that there are no legal obstacles to recognizing a Palestinian state, as the decision primarily hinges on political considerations.
The issue has elicited diverse perspectives from community groups, with some cautioning against immediate recognition due to concerns about Hamas and the absence of Palestinian state institutions. Conversely, other groups have advocated for Canadian recognition as a means to facilitate peace and address perceived complicity in the Israeli occupation.
The MPs who have signed the letter advocating for Palestinian statehood represent a cross-section of Canadian political parties, including the NDP, Liberal Party, Green Party, and Bloc Québécois. Their collective support underscores the growing momentum for Canada to take a stance on the issue and contribute towards a lasting resolution in the region.
