Statehood as a Reward for Terror?

Those pushing for unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state must answer the obvious question: what comes next?

In the wake of mass atrocities, the civilized world has long adhered to one moral principle: never reward terror. Yet today, calls to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state without peace, without negotiations, and in the direct aftermath of October 7 violate that very basic tenet.

I’ve been saying as much for over a year, ever since calls for statehood have been introduced in Parliament from MPs and now former MPs.

Have a look at my speech from March 18, 2024.

Those calls have also been introduced in other legislatures worldwide, including in France and the UK.

The British Government’s change in position at this moment coming on the heels of the French decision and driven by domestic political pressure amounts to a concession to Hamas and undermines efforts to secure a actual peace and a path toward freeing the hostages. Will Canada bow to the same political pressure? I assume yes given the reversal of its Liberal government on the longstanding relationship with Israel and its complete lack of action on the home front where this conflict has spilled onto our own streets.

Recognition of statehood should never be wielded as a political weapon. And least of all now, as antisemitic mobs parade through those streets and ideologues operate unchecked in our institutions. To dignify Hamas—a group that carried out mass murder, rape, and hostage-taking with political concessions is not diplomacy.

The message this sends is chilling: that barbaric violence is a viable means to achieve diplomatic objectives. That terrorists, if brutal enough, can win not just airtime but land, legitimacy, and power.

This is not how peace is made. It is how any chance at longstanding peace is destroyed.

Those pushing for recognition must answer the obvious question: what comes next? Will the Canadian government, having recognized a Palestinian state run by Hamas, be prepared to list it as a state sponsor of terror? Because that’s what it is—and pretending otherwise only emboldens extremists, encourages more bloodshed, and dishonours the hostages still in captivity.

A just peace requires moral clarity, not appeasement to political pressure at home. Mark Carney should know that.

Here’s the last piece on this very issue - except now Canada up one additional thank you from Hamas.