Canada–Palestine relations
Canada |
Palestine |
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The history of
During the Ottoman Empire's rule over Palestine, which lasted until World War I, Canada did not have a significant relationship with the region. However, following the war, the British Empire gained control over Palestine, and Canada became a member of the League of Nations, which granted Britain the mandate to administer Palestine. In 1947, the United Nations General Assembly voted in favor of the partition of Palestine, leading to the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. Canada endorsed the partition plan.[1]
However, Canada's relationship with Palestine has been more complicated. After the
In recent years, Canada has continued to maintain diplomatic relations with Israel and has been criticized by some for not taking a more active role in supporting Palestinian rights. However, Canada has also provided humanitarian aid to Palestinians and has expressed support for a two-state solution, and does not recognize West Bank settlements as part of Israel.[2][3]
The Canadian government recognizes the Palestinian Authority (PA) as the representative of the Palestinian people and has maintained contact with the PA since its establishment in 1994. Canada has also provided financial assistance to the PA in support of institution-building, economic development, and humanitarian assistance.
Canada is also one of the few countries in the international community, alongside the United States, Israel, and the Compact of Free Association states, to consistently vote against pro-Palestine and anti-Israel resolutions in the UN.[citation needed]
Despite the strong support for Israel in Canada, many in the First Nations communities are sympathetic with Palestinians due to perceived historic parallels in both peoples struggles [4]
A 2024 resolution under the government of Justin Trudeau called for Canada to "work with international partners to actively pursue the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including towards the establishment of the State of Palestine as part of a negotiated two-state solution." Though the original proposal of this bill, by the New Democratic Party under Jagmeet Singh, called for the House of Commons to "officially recognize the State of Palestine," this line was removed prior to the passing of the bill.[5]
Diaspora
There are about 30,000 Palestinians living in Canada.[6]
History
From 1948 to 1967, Canada recognized
In the aftermath of the
During the 1970s through the 1980s, saw Canada become more actively engaged in efforts to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.[citation needed]
Official Palestinian-Canadian ties can be traced back to the aftermath of the Oslo Accords; in 1993, a Canadian representative office was established in Ramallah. On the other side, in 1995, an office in Ottawa was established to represent Palestinian interests.[6]
See also
- Foreign relations of Canada
- Foreign relations of Palestine
References
- ^ "Personal Policy Making: Canada's Role in the Adoption of the Palestine Partition Resolution".
- ^ "Canada pledges $62M aid for Palestinian refugee agency". anews.
- ^ "Canada expresses its concern over Israel's 'punitive measures' against the Palestinian Authority". The Canadian Jewish News. 18 January 2023.
- ^ https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/indigenous-people-canada-gaza-palestinians-1.7032180
- ^ Aiello, Rachel. "NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations". CTV News.
- ^ a b "الفلسطينيون في كندا | مركز المعلومات الوطني الفلسطيني". info.wafa.ps.