Dear Friends,
Canada’s position on the conflict in the Middle East has evolved very quickly over the past few days. During this time, I have strongly advocated for the position I believe we should take, including in direct conversations with the Prime Minister and Minister Anand.
I have the following comments on yesterday’s statement:
I strongly support all efforts to increase the flow of aid into Gaza, including direct airdrops. While some progress has been made over the past week, civilians in Gaza have paid too high a price for the actions of Hamas. Israel must take immediate steps to ensure that sufficient food and humanitarian aid reaches those in Gaza who desperately need it.
I appreciate the Prime Minister’s decision to include clear messaging on antisemitism in his remarks. The Canadian Jewish community is not responsible for the actions of the Israeli government. Yet, for almost two years, some within the Canadian population have forced Jewish Canadians and their allies to bear the brunt of hateful speech and actions fueled by the Middle East conflict. The Prime Minister has committed to doing much more to keep all Canadians—Jewish Canadians included—safe. I will continue to focus on ensuring much-needed Criminal Code reforms are implemented and that provinces, municipalities, and local police are pressured to enforce both the Criminal Code and relevant municipal bylaws.
Canada and Israel have been close friends since Israel’s creation. This relationship is strong and enduring, transcending whichever governments are in place in either country at any given time.
I have always supported a two-state solution, and achieving one remains the objective of the Prime Minister and the Canadian government. Two peoples—Israelis and Palestinians—living side by side in security is the only path to long-term peace in the Middle East. It is also the only way for Israel to remain both a Jewish and democratic state. I have been deeply disappointed by statements from Israeli government ministers rejecting a two-state solution and proposing annexation of the West Bank and Gaza, among other concerning positions.
However, we cannot forget that Hamas began this conflict, slaughtering over 1,200 people, injuring many more, and committing atrocities on October 7, 2023. Eight Canadians—including Alex Look from my own riding—were murdered by Hamas. Alex died a hero, protecting others.
Hamas bears the largest share of responsibility for a two-state solution being impossible to implement, given its rejection of the State of Israel’s right to exist and its founding charter, which calls for the murder of Jews worldwide.
As such, I feel very strongly that, among other conditions, any recognition of a Palestinian state must be entirely contingent on Hamas laying down its arms, surrendering, and no longer being in power in Gaza. Recognition must also depend on the release of all living hostages held in Gaza since October 7, 2023, as well as the return of the remains of those who were murdered.
I also believe that recognition should be contingent on the future Palestinian state recognizing Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state in peace and security. President Abbas has a long history of incitement against Israel, and he must now publicly declare, in both English and Arabic, that he supports Israel’s right to exist. He must also take concrete steps to meet the predicates set out in our government’s statement. Palestine must be demilitarized, and free and fair elections must be held under international supervision. No terrorist group, including Hamas, should be allowed to participate.
We have had direct conversations, and I know the Prime Minister shares my concerns. That is why the issues I have raised were included as predicates in the government’s statement. I believe any recognition must be conditional on these requirements being met, and I will continue to work with like-minded colleagues to ensure that this approach is pursued by the government.
Best,
Anthony