’I am a Canadian, I am a Jew and I am a Zionist’: Liberal MP condemns motion that ’rewards Hamas’

Liberal MP Anthony Housefather gave an impassioned speech on March 18 during a debate over a non-binding NDP motion, which originally called for the immediate recognition of a Palestinian state. The motion also called for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, more humanitarian aid into Gaza and an embargo on any arms trade with Israel. Late into the debate, however, the Liberals surprised the House with an extensive amendment with a long series of changes. Most notably, the amendment called for the government to work with international partners towards a “just and lasting peace,” which would eventually include a Palestinian state, rather than immediate unilateral recognition of statehood. It also called for Hamas to lay down its arms as part of a ceasefire. Housefather voted against the amended motion, while most Liberals voted in favour of it.