Government’s endorsement of amended Palestinian statehood motion wins praise, draws outrage [Video]

The Liberal government’s last-minute endorsement of an amended NDP motion on Palestinian statehood is being welcomed by the country’s Muslim advocacy group and derided by Jewish voices who say Ottawa has sub-contracted its foreign policy to “anti-Israel radicals.”

The motion, introduced by NDP MP Heather McPherson, was controversial from the start. One clause in the original motion called on the government to “officially recognize the State of Palestine.”

As the war rages on in Gaza, some of Canada’s allies, including the United Kingdom, have signalled they’re open to recognizing the Palestinian territories as a state — once some key conditions are met.

The idea has been pitched as a way to revive dormant peace talks and prompt the creation of an independent Palestinian state next to Israel.

The Trudeau government took out its red pen and amended the language in McPherson’s motion to add the stipulation that Canada will “work with international partners” to …