CIJA Responds to Canada’s Recognition of Palestinian Statehood

Ottawa, ON – September 19, 2025 – Today, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) issued the following statement from CEO Noah Shack, in response to Prime Minister Carney’s announcement that Canada will recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly next week: 

“For the past two years, Canadians have been seized with the fate of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza and putting an end to this painful conflict that started with the Hamas-led terrorist attacks. We all seek a better future where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.  

“Symbolic recognition of Palestinian statehood – while Hamas remains in power, holding onto Israeli hostages for more than 700 days – does not bring us closer to this future.

It has also led Hamas to celebrate it as ‘the fruits of Oct 7th,’ it has emboldened extremists, and has undermined efforts by mediators to secure a hostage release and ceasefire agreement.   

“The Palestinian Authority must be held accountable, and the Government of Canada should require Hamas to return all Israeli hostages, disarm, and relinquish control in Gaza.  

“Likewise, as the Prime Minister has said, the Palestinians must recognize Israel’s legitimate existence as a Jewish state. Only then will meaningful progress toward lasting peace and security for both peoples be possible.”  

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