Palestinian statehood

Canada recognizes Palestinian statehood 

Britain and Australia did so as well.

By Mickey Djuric

Prime Minister Mark Carney declared Sunday that Canada officially recognizes the state of Palestine, marking a major shift in the country’s foreign policy.

Canada previously supported a two-state solution that would be achieved as part of a negotiated settlement between Israel and Palestinian leaders.

In a statement, Carney said that possibility has “steadily and gravely eroded.”

“The current Israeli government is working methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established. It has pursued an unrelenting policy of settlement expansion in the West Bank, which is illegal under international law,” Carney said Sunday in a statement.

“Its sustained assault in Gaza has killed tens of thousands of civilians, displaced well over one million people, and caused a devastating and preventable famine in violation of international law.”

He said it’s now the “avowed policy of the current Israeli government that ‘there will be no Palestinian state.’”

“It is in this context that Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” Carney said.

The Embassy of Israel to Canada called on Carney to reverse the decision and support a future agreement “developed through direct negotiation and mutual recognition.”

“This decision does not bring home the hostages, it does not free Palestinians from the torture and horrendous oppression perpetrated against them by Hamas, nor does it guarantee a peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians — it only rewards Hamas and its sympathizers,” the embassy said in a statement Sunday.

The Canadian prime minister also called on Hamas to release all hostages, fully disarm and play no role in the future governance of Palestine.

“Hamas has stolen from the Palestinian people, cheated them of their life and liberty, and can in no way dictate their future,” Carney said.

Carney made the announcement ahead of the United Nations General Assembly gathering in New York this week, which he will attend. The United Kingdom and Australia also recognized Palestinian statehood on Sunday, with other countries expected to follow.

“While Canada is under no illusions that this recognition is a panacea, this recognition is firmly aligned with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights reflected in the United Nations Charter, and the consistent policy of Canada for generations,” Carney said.

Canada’s decision to recognize Palestine was predicated on firm commitments by the Palestinian Authority to pursue critical governance reforms, that Hamas cannot be part of the future governance of Palestine and that the Palestinian state must be demilitarized.

The government of Canada said it will maintain pressure on the Palestinian Authority, which now governs the West Bank but not Gaza, to undertake “concrete and meaningful reforms” including general elections next year in which Hamas can have no role.

“Canada will intensify efforts to support the Palestinian Authority’s implementation of this reform agenda, on which progress has already been made,” Carney said.

“With our international partners, Canada supports the development of a credible peace plan, democratic governance and clear security arrangements for Palestine, and the sustained, large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza.”

In July, Carney accused the Israeli government of an “ongoing failure” to stop the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

Officials with the Liberal government said they notified their counterparts in Israel ahead of Sunday’s announcement. Canada’s recognition of Palestinian statehood “in no way compromises Canada’s steadfast support for the State of Israel, its people, and their security — security that can only ultimately be guaranteed through the achievement of a comprehensive two-state solution,” Carney said.