QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Conflict in Gaza Strip
October 31, 2023
Senator Gold, the ground invasion by the Israeli forces in northern Gaza started on Friday, in response to the horrible attack by Hamas on Israeli territory. Thousands of Gazan children and adults have lost their lives. No one is sure exactly how many.
The United States is starting to speak up with their Israeli allies, focusing on the need to protect civilians. Canada has remained more passive and is not calling for a ceasefire. What will it take to get to that point?
In the meantime, are some Canadian experts right to believe that Canada is giving Israel carte blanche?
Thank you for the question. Canada’s position is the same on the ground, under the circumstances, as the United States and the European Union. Neither the United States, nor Canada, nor anyone who understands the history or even the charter of Hamas are calling for a ceasefire because, as the Prime Minister explained, there is no point—not for those in the Gaza Strip and not for the innocent civilians, whether they are Israeli or Palestinian.
As I have mentioned in this chamber, Canada is in favour of the establishment of an air bridge to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to the citizens and residents of Gaza. This position is consistent with that of our democratic allies.
I would like to come back to the question of hospitals in northern Gaza. I find the whole issue disturbing.
Israeli forces are demanding that they be evacuated. However, staff are refusing because it would mean certain death for many patients who need ventilators. Are the principles of international humanitarian law not at stake? Does Canada have an opinion on this situation, which is quite simply unacceptable?
Of course, there are norms of international law and norms of humanitarian law. There are also norms that prohibit human shields or hidden weapons factories in schools and hospitals.
The Israeli army is facing an enemy that does not respect any norms of humanitarian or international law. This is a tragedy for all those who are victims of this war. However, we must be realistic and well informed before drawing conclusions.
