Explanation of vote – Yes - Permanent Sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources

Mr. Chair,

Canada voted in favour of this resolution because we recognize that the State of Palestine’s permanent sovereignty over its natural resources is essential to its long-term stability, viability, and sustainable development.

Acknowledging the focus of this committee’s work and the political complexity of the topic, Canada will limit its explanation to a few simple points.

Lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through a two-state solution, and the creation of a Palestinian state living alongside the State of Israel in peace, security, and dignity.

Indeed, this has been the cornerstone of Canada’s Middle East policy for decades. However, developments over the past two years have fundamentally undermined this aim.

We condemn Hamas for its heinous terrorist attacks on October 7, and we remember those who were brutally murdered, including Canadians as well as others with close ties to Canada. We continue call for Hamas’ disarmament and its removal from governance in Gaza.

These terrorist attacks, along with the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the expansion of settlements in the West Bank, the Government of Israel’s withholding of Palestinian Authority customs revenues, and the persistent attacks by extremist settlers against Palestinians and their property have steadily eroded prospects for a negotiated two-state solution.

That is why Canada recognized the State of Palestine in September and why Canada voted in favour of this resolution today.

Canada also reaffirms its ongoing support to the Palestinian Authority as it undertakes the critical reforms that it committed to, including to strengthen governance. These reforms will allow the Palestinian Authority to fully leverage its natural resources in pursuit of peace, security, and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

I thank you.