QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Conflict in Gaza Strip
March 19, 2024
My question is for Senator Gold.
On January 26, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to comply with provisional measures to prevent genocide in Gaza. Since then, we hear words about peace, but see action for war. Ongoing material support of Israel’s military by powerful nations signals distressing complicity in Gaza’s deepening crisis — the transferring of weapons, diplomatic obstruction of resolutions and silence — as famine sets in and thousands more have died in Gaza.
States bear legal and moral responsibilities to protect civilians, prevent war crimes and uphold international law. Can you please confirm that Canada is not now supplying arms and ammunition to Israel? When will the Government of Canada call for a permanent ceasefire linked to the disarmament of Hamas?
Thank you for your questions.
As the Minister of Foreign Affairs has announced, Canada has ceased sending any military equipment to the state of Israel for some time.
With regard to your question about a ceasefire, Canada is on record as calling for a humanitarian pause and a ceasefire. It involves more than simply Hamas laying down its arms. It involves the release of the hostages and a great deal more in order not to reward the genocidal, terrorist organization Hamas for having launched its genocidal attack on innocent Israeli civilians on October 7.
About a month ago, Amnesty International, the Danish Refugee Council, Humanity & Inclusion, Oxfam International, ActionAid International and the Association of International Development Agencies released a joint statement. They asked this question: What is Canada doing now to ensure the protection of civilian lives, the release of Israeli hostages, as well as unlawfully detained Palestinians, and full, unhindered access for humanitarian aid —
The assertions in that statement are not necessarily true. They are assertions. Canada has been working with its allies, working in the region with Israel and others, to ensure that humanitarian assistance is provided and international law is being respected.
