QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Conflict in Gaza Strip
October 24, 2023
Honourable senators, Senator Gold, for the past three days, five UN agencies and 12 humanitarian organizations in Canada, along with Jewish voices, have been calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. France, Ireland and Belgium are also calling for a truce.
Canada doesn’t wield much power internationally. Nevertheless, we’ve always been able to amplify our influence by demonstrating our integrity and our adherence to the principles of international law in both word and deed.
Senator Gold, nobody here is disputing the horror of the October 7 attacks, Israel’s right to defend itself or actions necessary to recover more than 200 hostages. That said, I’m concerned that our silence on the subject of a humanitarian truce is eroding our moral authority.
When will the Canadian government demand a humanitarian truce as a tentative step toward a ceasefire in Gaza?
Thank you for your question.
The Government of Canada has made its position very clear. Violence must cease, civilians must be protected and hostages must be freed.
I feel that Minister Joly emphasized Canada’s grave concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the importance of ensuring that aid can reach Palestinian civilians.
In fact, Canada is contributing $50 million in humanitarian aid to meet the acute needs of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and neighbouring regions while ensuring that none of that money ends up in the hands of Hamas.
Senator Gold, as Nicholas Kristof wrote in the New York Times, states cannot give the impression that there is a hierarchy of human life.
This is a philosophical question, but do you believe that is a risk? If you called for a truce, could balance be restored, diplomatically speaking?
All human life is sacred, created in the image of God. This is part of my tradition and many traditions around the world.
Unfortunately, a truce will not put an end to violence or danger. Furthermore, as the Americans and the minister have pointed out, this is not the right time to consider it.
