As Abbas Turns 91, CIJA Calls on Canada to Hold Palestinian Leaders Accountable for Broken Statehood Commitments

Ottawa, ON – November 15, 2026 – As Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas marks his 91st birthday, nearly 22 years after first taking office, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is calling on the Government of Canada to hold Palestinian leaders accountable for failing to fulfil the commitments on which Canada's recognition of Palestinian statehood was predicated. 

“Mahmoud Abbas has been in power since 2005 without facing voters in another presidential election. When Canada recognized Palestinian statehood last year, it did so on the basis of explicit commitments to democratic elections in 2026, fundamental governance reforms, the exclusion of Hamas from governance, and demilitarization. None of these commitments has been fulfilled. 

“Instead, Abbas has postponed elections until at least September 2027, a decision made in cooperation with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, both listed terrorist entities in Canada. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority’s “pay-for-slay” program continues to reward terrorists and their families. 

“Since Palestinians last voted in general elections in 2005, Arab Israelis have voted in ten elections, including last month’s Knesset elections. Prime Minister Carney recently expressed a desire to work with a new Israeli government and noted that what matters is the steps actually taken. Canada must now apply that standard to the Palestinian Authority: condemn its broken commitments and attach real consequences. Failing to do so would create a double standard that undermines Canada’s credibility in the region and has consequences for the safety of people here in Canada.” 

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