Government's endorsement of amended Palestinian statehood motion wins praise, draws outrage

The Liberal government's last-minute endorsement of an amended NDP motion on Palestinian statehood is being welcomed by the country's Muslim advocacy group and derided by Jewish voices who say Ottawa has sub-contracted its foreign policy to "anti-Israel radicals."

The motion, introduced by NDP MP Heather McPherson, was controversial from the start. One clause in the original motion called on the government to "officially recognize the State of Palestine."

As the war rages on in Gaza, some of Canada's allies, including the United Kingdom, have signalled they're open to recognizing the Palestinian territories as a state — once some key conditions are met.

The idea has been pitched as a way to revive dormant peace talks and prompt the creation of an independent Palestinian state next to Israel.

The Trudeau government took out its red pen and amended the language in McPherson's motion to add the stipulation that Canada will "work with international partners" to "pursue the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East," and work "towards the establishment of the State of Palestine as part of a negotiated two-state solution."

Before backing the motion, the government also adjusted its section on military exports. It wouldn't go along with a call to "suspend all trade in military goods and technology with Israel" but agreed to "cease the further authorization and transfer of arms exports to Israel."

As for UNRWA, the UN's Palestinian relief agency, the government agreed to maintain its funding — as it has announced previously — but it added language to the motion saying it supports an internal investigation into claims that some UNRWA staff took part in the Hamas attack of Oct. 7.

The government also added verbiage about backing "long-term governance reforms" and "accountability measures" at UNRWA. The aid agency has been described by some as an essential lifeline for Gazans living through a destructive war — while some Israelis claim it has been infiltrated by Hamas-linked elements.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said the government secured important "concessions" before agreeing to the motion's passage.

"We were able to find common ground on the question of the two-state solution, which is important for Canadians and for our country," she said.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said Palestinians are "suffering on a massive scale in Gaza," and the entire population of the territory is "on the brink of starvation."

"Our motion offers real solutions for peace and justice, as well as steps to show that Canada can be a force for good in this world and that Canada and its leaders have the moral courage to say when enough is enough," he said.

Israel launched an offensive in the Gaza Strip following the Hamas-led attack of Oct. 7. The surprise Hamas assault left some 1,200 people — mostly civilians but also soldiers, police officers and security officials — dead in Israel, according to officials, and saw hundreds of hostages taken to Gaza.

Gaza health officials said that, as of last week, Israel's military campaign had killed more than 31,000 people and displaced nearly two million more.