Carney says he supports two-state solution as France backs Palestinian statehood
Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government is committed to a two-state solution in Gaza and the West Bank that “does not include Hamas.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government is committed to a two-state solution in Gaza and the West Bank that “does not include Hamas.”
Speaking to reporters Monday in Prince County, P.E.I., Carney responded to France’s bid to recognize Palestinian statehood by saying Canada would back a two-state solution.
“We’ve always supported it, and we continue to support a two-state solution with a free and viable Palestine living in peace and security alongside Israel,” Carney said. “We will work with the international community toward a ceasefire and a two-state solution that meets those criteria.”
Carney said those criteria do not include any future role for Hamas. As recently as May, Hamas has put out official statements thanking the Carney government for condemning Israel.
“We will take steps that advance those fundamental principles at the appropriate time,” he added.
His comments came after a reporter asked whether Canada would follow France, which last week said it would formally recognize a Palestinian state in September. Ireland, Spain, and Norway took similar steps earlier this year.
Carney highlighted Canada’s commitment of more than $300 million in humanitarian aid towards Gaza.
“That’s been prevented from being supplied to those in dire need,” he said.
“We welcome the early steps on widening the channels by which that aid can be delivered, but those need to be expanded and made real.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, speaking Thursday in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, offered a similar response.
While Canada supports a two-state solution, she said certain preconditions remain non-negotiable.
“We need to see the return of all hostages,” Anand said.
“We need to ensure that Hamas lays down its arms and does not participate in any way in the governance of an eventual two-state solution.”
Anand confirmed she will represent Canada at the upcoming United Nations conference in New York and said the country would lead a working group focused on Middle East peace.
She also said she had spoken with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot about Macron’s decision and would continue discussions with allies.
“For Canada’s part, we have committed over $300 million of humanitarian aid. That puts Canada at number three in terms of countries who have committed humanitarian aid to Gaza,” Anand said.
“That aid, however, is not being permitted to flow. The result is catastrophic as civilians are without food and they are dying.”
While France has signalled it believes the time is right to recognize Palestinian statehood, Anand reiterated that Canada will make that decision based on evolving conditions.
“That’s a conversation that I will have in person when I travel to New York and meet with counterparts next week,” she said.
Canada maintains diplomatic relations with the Palestinian Authority.
Sorry MC you do not speak for the most of Canadians! Why do we support a TERRORIST organization such as HAMAS?
It has been shown by HISTORY that a two state solution does not work!!!
If we don't get our heads out of the dark WE WILL END UP LIKE THEM!!
LETS REINSTATE THE RULE OF LAW IN THIS COUNTRY AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
Could Carney & these Liberals be more ignorant? The Palestinians don't want a 2 state solution. How many times do they have to refuse the 2 state solution that's been offered & say they want every Jew annihilated before you believe them? And they want us to be next...they say that too. And it's Hamas who is keeping aid from the people with help from the UN. When do you stop believing the lies? Do you actually think people who burn babies wouldn't lie? Stop sending my money to the people who have used it to build terror tunnels & kill Jews. Until you take the time to learn the truth, stop the rhetoric along with our money supporting terrorists.