The True Post (Web News)A growing number of Canadian Liberal Members of Parliament are urging the federal government to officially recognize Palestine as an independent state, marking a bold and politically sensitive shift within the ruling party’s ranks amid the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
At least a dozen sitting Liberal MPs have publicly supported the call, joining a chorus of voices across Canada demanding a more balanced and principled foreign policy in the Middle East. The push comes as global criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza intensifies and as many Western countries face internal pressure to reassess their positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Among those backing the recognition are MPs known for their progressive stances on international human rights. They argue that Canada’s longstanding position of supporting a two-state solution must move beyond rhetoric and be backed by concrete diplomatic steps including granting Palestine formal recognition.
“The time for symbolic statements is over. Canada must stand on the right side of history by recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state,” said Liberal MP Salma Zahid, Chair of the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Group. “Thousands of innocent lives have been lost in Gaza. If we truly support peace, we must take action rooted in justice.”
Supporters of the move emphasize that recognizing Palestine is not about taking sides, but about acknowledging the rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination. They point to recent decisions by several European nations, including Ireland, Norway, and Spain, which have recognized Palestine in defiance of diplomatic backlash from Israel and its allies.
The call within the Liberal caucus is not yet official party policy but has placed pressure on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government to reevaluate its foreign policy approach. Trudeau has previously maintained a cautious stance, expressing concern over civilian casualties in Gaza while continuing to affirm Israel’s right to self-defense.
However, this cautious tone has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, civil society organizations, and a growing number of voters who accuse the government of failing to adequately respond to what they describe as disproportionate Israeli military actions and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has also supported the recognition of Palestine, further intensifying the political debate in Ottawa. Meanwhile, pro-Israel groups have condemned the calls as misguided and damaging to Canada’s relationship with Israel.
The push for recognition has reignited a broader conversation within Canada about its role on the global stage, particularly regarding human rights, international law, and diplomatic consistency. As the conflict in Gaza continues to claim lives and displace families, pressure is mounting on the Trudeau government to respond with more than words.
With support for Palestine’s recognition growing not only in Parliament but also among Canadian civil society and academia, the Liberal government now faces a pivotal decision whether to follow the cautious path it has long maintained, or to join an emerging international shift toward recognizing Palestinian statehood.
