Palestinian people deserve a state, peace, and dignity

(Patria) - The Institute for Genocide Research Canada (IGC) welcomed the historic decision of the Government of Canada to recognize Palestine, assessing it as a key step in protecting the rights of the Palestinian people and preserving the two-state solution.

A statement from Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada recognizes the Palestinian state and offers partnership in building a peaceful future for Palestine and Israel. As emphasized, this recognition is part of international efforts to preserve the possibility of resolving the conflict through two states, in accordance with the principles of self-determination and fundamental human rights guaranteed by the UN Charter.

Prime Minister Carney specifically emphasized that the Israeli government systematically prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state, highlighting violations of international law – from the illegal expansion of settlements and mass civilian casualties in Gaza, to the forced displacement of millions of Palestinians and imposed starvation.

The IGC reminds that it was among the first in Canada to submit an opinion from expert teams to the Government and Parliament, which concluded that the crimes of the Israeli state against Palestinians fulfill the elements of genocide, as defined by the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

“The genocide in Gaza is directed against Palestinians as a national, ethnic, and religious group with the aim of their extermination. Thus, both intent and acts of genocide have been fulfilled, which clearly demonstrates the continuous violation of international law by the Israeli state leadership,” the IGC opinion states.

The Institute points out that most of the world recognized Palestinian statehood back in the late 1980s, while the UN General Assembly confirmed the Palestinians' right to self-determination in 2012. They also reminded that Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the first countries to recognize Palestine – on April 27, 1992, immediately after its own international recognition.

The IGC called on other countries to follow Canada's example, emphasizing that the Palestinian people deserve to live in their own state, in peace and dignity, alongside Israel.

“Only mutual recognition and responsible dialogue can bring lasting peace,” the IGC stated.