"Canada Alters Course: Breaks Long-Standing Israel Stance at UN, Votes for Gaza Ceasefire
In a surprising departure from its historical position, Canada voted in favor of a non-binding resolution at the United Nations, urging an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This shift marked a significant change in Canada's traditional alignment with Israel on major international resolutions. The decision, which caught Jewish groups off guard, reflects a response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly emphasized that the unfolding violence in Gaza would only perpetuate the cycle of conflict. She stated, 'This will not lead to the durable defeat of Hamas, which is necessary, and the threat that it poses to Israel. With the future of Israelis and Palestinians in mind, Canada is joining the international call for a humanitarian ceasefire.' Joly reiterated Canada's acknowledgment of Israel's right to self-defense but emphasized the importance of how that defense is carried out for the well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians.
The recent conflict erupted after a surprise attack by Hamas militants on Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. Israel responded with airstrikes on Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Joly highlighted the dire situation, stating, 'Thousands of children are now orphans. Countless Palestinian civilians in Gaza are suffering without water, food, fuel, or medicine, and their homes have been reduced to rubble.'
While the National Council of Canadian Muslims sees the UN vote as a 'milestone' needing concrete action, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs expressed deep disappointment and shock. The group criticized Canada's support for the resolution, arguing that it fails to explicitly address Hamas's actions or call for the group's accountability. Concerns were raised about potential repercussions, with the group warning that Canada's decision might lead to increased hostility toward Jews within the country."
"Canada's Shift: UN Support for Humanitarian Ceasefire Despite Failed Amendment
Canada, breaking with its historical stance, supported a U.S. amendment to explicitly condemn Hamas in a recent UN resolution, but the amendment fell short of the required two-thirds majority. UN ambassador Bob Rae emphasized Canada's commitment to a humanitarian ceasefire, citing the alarming decline of safe spaces for civilians in Gaza. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed the call for a sustainable ceasefire, referencing a previous truce that facilitated humanitarian aid and the release of hostages. In a joint statement with Australia and New Zealand, Trudeau urged Hamas to release hostages, condemned sexual violence, and called for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. The leaders also stressed that neither Hamas should govern Gaza nor Israel reoccupy or displace Palestinians. Liberal MP Rob Oliphant noted Canada's efforts to pressure both parties, emphasizing the need for negotiations. Trudeau engaged in a detailed conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the UN vote. In a year-end interview, Trudeau acknowledged the complexity of finding a balanced position in the conflict, given the profound emotions and pain involved."
"Trudeau's Evolving Approach: Shifting Focus to Ceasefire Amid Criticisms and Support
In a recent interview, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the limited impact of Ottawa's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict in the region. Emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid and a viable two-state solution, Trudeau's government has faced calls for a ceasefire from hundreds of thousands of Canadians. NDP foreign affairs critic Heather McPherson stressed the importance of meaningful action following the call for a ceasefire, urging the Liberals to clarify their position on immediate cessation and expressing concern about the potential departure of Liberal donors due to perceived moral shortcomings.
Conservatives refrained from commenting directly on Canada's UN vote but called for an immediate end to the conflict, demanding Hamas to surrender unconditionally and release hostages. Deputy Conservative leader Melissa Lantsman accused the Liberals of 'gaslighting for votes,' highlighting what she perceived as contradictory statements.
Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, a staunch supporter of Israel, publicly disagreed with the government's vote, insisting that any cessation of hostilities requires Hamas to release hostages and surrender. The Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, advocating for Israeli hostages in Gaza, presented a document urging the imposition of sanctions on specific individuals affiliated with Hamas. Despite Canada designating Hamas a terrorist organization since 2002,
"Pushing for Accountability: Raoul Wallenberg Centre Urges Sanctions on Alleged Hamas Affiliates
The Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights has presented a 119-page document listing 44 individuals allegedly affiliated with Hamas, some of whom have already faced sanctions from Australia, the U.S., and the U.K. The document calls for Canada to impose additional sanctions on these individuals, emphasizing the need for a stand-alone obligation to release hostages, irrespective of political considerations.
Outside a convention center in Ottawa, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was set to address a Liberal caucus holiday party, hundreds of protesters gathered, waving Palestinian flags. A woman with a megaphone criticized Trudeau, expressing discontent with what she perceived as insufficient action beyond calling for a ceasefire. Protesters chanted 'shame, shame, Trudeau' as they walked by the venue, reflecting the ongoing public sentiment surrounding Canada's approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on December 12, 2023."
"As the debate surrounding Canada's evolving stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights has brought the issue of alleged Hamas affiliates to the forefront, urging additional sanctions on specific individuals. The protests outside a Liberal caucus holiday party in Ottawa underscore the heightened emotions and divided opinions within the Canadian public. While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's call for a ceasefire has faced both support and criticism, the demand for accountability and humanitarian action remains a central point of contention. As the international community watches, the complexities of balancing political considerations and humanitarian concerns persist, leaving the path forward in addressing the conflict an ongoing challenge for Canadian leadership."