Former Canadian ambassador to Israel calls for immediate Palestinian statehood recognition by Canada

[ionelv]

Jon Allen, former Canadian ambassador to Israel from 2006-2010, called for Canada to immediately recognize Palestinian statehood (during an appearance before the House of Commons standing committee on foreign affairs yesterday). Excerpts (with my emphasis):

"Recognizing a Palestinian state now is about sending a message of hope and commitment to Palestinians and sending a clear message to Israel and others that simply managing the conflict, Israel's policy for the last 17 years, is not an option and never was."

Allen told the committee that he and his wife are Jewish and he has a sister who lives just south of the Lebanon-Israel border with his nieces and nephews, where they are within the range of Hezbollah rocket fire.

He said he strongly supports Israel's right to exist in peace and security but he believes that can only happen if Palestinians have "a horizon for peace" and a clear path forward.

Recognizing a Palestinian state, Allen said, also would demonstrate that Canada and the international community do not believe all Palestinians are Hamas supporters or terrorists.

"Hope and a path forward to end the conflict can do much to reduce violence and offer the next generation of Palestinians and Israelis an alternative future," he said.

Allen said Canada also needs to signal that while Israel should have a strong voice, it does not have a veto over the future of Palestine.

"Hamas does not want to see the existence of Israel. Recognition of two states is contrary to what Hamas, and contrary to what radical right ministers in Israel, want," he said. "They both want one state: their own."