TORONTO: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday said Canada is “prepared to recognise the state of Palestine at the right time — not necessarily as the last step along the path.”

Trudeau’s statement came in response to a challenge from New Democratic Party (NDP) MP and foreign affairs critic Heather McPherson in the House of Commons, as she urged him to “take a stand” on the matter.

“We urgently need to build a credible path towards lasting peace. We oppose efforts by the Netanyahu government to reject a two-state solution.

At the same time, Hamas, a terrorist group, currently controls areas in Gaza and has not laid down its arms or released its hostages,“ Trudeau added.

The debate in the House of Commons was sparked by recent decisions from Norway, Ireland, and Spain to recognise Pales­tine, prompting Canadian lawmakers to discuss the issue.

Several Liberal MPs have urged Prime Minister Trudeau to follow suit and the call within Canada’s Parlia­ment for formal recognition of a Palestinian state is growing.

Liberal MP Salma Zahid applauded the European countries’ initiatives and emphasised that recognition should not be delayed due to ongoing disputes between Palestine and Israel.

“The Palestinian people have the same right to self-determination as any other people. Canada is a supporter of a two-state solution, and it’s time to take the next step in advancing that goal,” Zahid stated.

However, some within the Liberal Party advised caution. MP Anthony Housefather expressed concerns about recognising a Palestinian state while Hamas remains in control of Gaza.

“There needs to be a negotiation involving the parties, and proper security guarantees for Israel before this can be contemplated,” he said.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) has also been vocal in advocating for immediate recognition of a Palestinian state. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says recognising Palestine is essential for progressing towards a two-state solution.

Canada has shifted its policy on recognising a Palestinian state, now considering it before a comprehensive two-state solution is finalised. This change was marked by Canada’s abstention from a recent United Nations vote on Palestinian statehood, diverging from its traditional alignment with the United States and Israel.

Internationally, more than 140 of the 193 UN member countries recognise Palestine, though only a few European Union members have done so.

Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Ambassador to Canada Iddo Moed, have criticised the recent recognitions by Norway, Ireland, and Spain, arguing that such actions undermine Israel’s right to self-defence and the efforts to resolve the hostage crisis.

The latest escalation in the region, which began on October 7, 2023, following deadly attacks by Hamas fighters, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with the Palestinian Ministry of Health reporting at least 35,000 deaths in Gaza.

The situation has led to severe humanitarian crises, including widespread hunger and shortages of medical supplies and fuel.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2024