"This is a reckless policy that undermines prospects for peace."

"It sets the dangerous precedent that violence, not diplomacy, is the most expedient means for terrorist groups like Hamas to achieve their political aims."

"Hamas's war crimes are clear, and its rejection of diplomacy should lead your countries to impose more pressure. Instead, you offer greater rewards." 

28 Republican members of U.S. Congress 

 

"[My government's goal in recognizing Palestinian statehood is to keep the topic] front and centre [at the United Nations General Assembly with a host of] influential but not decisive countries." 

"We're under no illusions that this is any sort of panacea, but it's necessary, in our judgment, and the judgment of most other countries in the world, that we have to push on this now."

"So, we're doing what we can, but recognizing limitations".

"Recognizing the Sate of Palestine, led by the Palestinian Authority empowers those who seek peaceful coexistence and the end of Hamas." 

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during a United Nations Summit on Palestinians at U.N. headquarters on Sept. 22, 2025. | Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

 

"[Recognition is our reward for] years of struggle, perseverance, and sacrifice."

"This action is an important step in establishing the right of the Palestinian people to their land and sanctities and on the path to establishing an independent state with Holy Quds as its capital, which is the result of years of struggle, perseverance, and sacrifice of our people on the path of freedom and return."

"[Recognition represents a] victory for Palestinian rights and the justice of our cause."

Hamas spokesman Mahmoud Mardawi 

The Hamas movement welcomed the move by Britain, Canada, and Australia to recognize the state of Palestine, and expressed its satisfaction with the announcement of the decision by a number of other countries to officially recognize it in the near future.

 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was called upon to "reconsider" his government's decision through an open letter from 25 Republican members of Congress and U.S. Senators. This, in response to the formal recognition that Carney's government gave for a Palestinian state prior to arriving in New York for the scheduled UN General Assembly. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macon were also directly addressed in the letter. 

"We compel the Government of Canada to reverse this decision and support a future agreement developed through direct negotiation and mutual recognition."

"The consequences of this foreign policy decision will undoubtedly unfold domestically."

Iddo Moed, Israel’s ambassador to Ottawa 

 

"Recognition under these circumstances does not bring us any closer to lasting peace, it only further compromises the prospect of a two-state solution." 

"Today, our government has chosen appeasement over principle."

Richard Robertson, director of research and advocacy, B’nai Brith Canada 

 

"[Carney’s decision is an attempt to distract Canadians from] rampant crime, costs, debt, immigration and job-loss [across the country]."

"Conservatives will always stand for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself, living next to a future demilitarized, terror-free, democratic and peaceful Palestinian State."

"Conservatives will focus on what is good for Canada because it is time to put our country first for a change."

Parliamentary Opposition Conservative Party statement

A  pro-Palestine march gathers in a Toronto intersection on Sunday Oct. 29, 2023. Photo by Chris Young /THE CANADIAN PRESS

 

When news of Carney's decision was first released, he was careful to condemn Hamas, and to ask for the return of the Israeli hostages from Gaza; that recognition would be contingent on a number of issues to be addressed; a democratic election to be held, Hamas to be removed from power in Gaza, that the Fatah-related Palestinian Authority prepare to govern both the West Bank and Gaza, and that Israel's right to exist be categorically supported. Fatah, as it happened, took part in the Hamas-instigated savagery of October 7.

 

None of the issues articulated by Mr. Carney as a prerequisite for Canada recognizing a Palestinian state have been addressed; the 'pay for slay' reward for Palestinian terrorists that gave handsome monetary gifts to Palestinians who attacked or murdered Israelis has been maintained in a covert form. Most Palestinians in the West Bank, according to a Palestinian poll, supported Hamas, not the governing body in the West Bank. So, none of the metrics that should accord with granting formal recognition of nationhood status have been fulfilled.

 

The U.S. Congress and Senate members letter went on to say that granting recognition is "especially troubling" in consideration of the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023 -- reminding world leaders that Canada, France and the United Kingdom, as well as may other countries saw some of their own citizens murdered that fateful day. Moreover Hamas continues to hold  hostages, using them as "bargaining chips"; those still alive being held in "deplorable conditions". 

 

 

Nonetheless, Carney in his wisdom insists that recognition of a Palestinian state does not legitimize terrorism, or compromise Canada's "steadfast support" for Israel. A support that Canadian Jews fail to recognize, particularly with this government that has never addressed the ongoing verbal and physical violence that Canadian Jews have been subjected to through the constant 'protests' taking place with pro-Palestinian mobs lionizing Hamas and slandering Israel while threatening Canadian Jews, promising a 'final solution', and inviting them to 'go back to Poland'. Hate crimes toward which Canadian laws should be addressed.   

"[Allied partners were warned this was] counterproductive [to peace talks]."

"We actually think it's undermined negotiations, because it emboldened Hamas, and we think it undermines future prospects of peace in the region."

"It's what we thought would  happen [Israel moving to annex part of the West Bank in response to Canada 'unilaterally' declaring Palestinian statehood]."

"We warned that this kind of action would happen among some in Israeli government if they did what they did."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio