CIJA Responds to Reports of Palestinian Statehood Recognition

Ottawa, ON – September 17, 2025 – In an interview earlier today, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said that discretion for recognizing Palestinian statehood "rests with the country granting the recognition" and that the Government of Canada will "need to see reforms coming into place before any normalization of relations occurs.”  

In response, Noah Shack, CEO, Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, released the following statement: 

“Our community seeks an end to the painful conflict in the Middle East and a better future where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security.  

“Recognition of Palestinian statehood has rewarded Hamas, emboldened extremists, and undermined efforts to secure the release of the 48 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. 

“Minister Anand’s statement that Canada will hold back ‘full recognition’ acknowledges that the government’s conditions have not been met.  

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

“Likewise, as the Prime Minister has said, the Palestinians must recognize Israel’s legitimate existence as a Jewish state.” 

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