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Cabinet officials

Canada Votes in Favour of UN Resolution for Gaza Ceasefire

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Canada joined 148 other countries in voting for a UN resolution that calls for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in the war in Gaza, despite opposition from the U.S. and Israel. This decision marks a shift in Canada's policy towards Israel, particularly under Prime Minister Mark Carney. The resolution, which was passed with a vote of 149-12, with 19 abstentions, also called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and unrestricted access for the delivery of desperately needed food to 2 million Palestinians.

Key Takeaways:

  • Canada's vote in favour of the UN resolution marks a significant departure from its previous position at the United Nations, with the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) condemning the decision as a "major shift" in Canada's policy towards Israel.
  • The resolution does not demand that Hamas disarm or be excluded from Gaza's future, despite opposition from Israel and the U.S.
  • The vote comes ahead of a UN conference next week aimed at reinvigorating the international push for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
  • NDP foreign affairs critic Heather McPherson argued that voting for the resolution is the "bare minimum" Canada should do to help Gaza, and called for further action, including suspending the free-trade agreement with Israel.
  • The Canadian government's decision has been met with criticism from the Jewish-Canadian lobby group, CIJA, which argued that the resolution will only embolden Hamas, a Palestinian militant group designated as a terrorist organization by Ottawa.

Statistics:

  • 149 countries voted in favour of the UN resolution, with 12 countries opposing it and 19 abstaining.
  • The resolution called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas, with hundreds of Palestinians still being held captive.
  • The UN conference next week aims to reinvigorate the international push for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
  • Over 1,200 people were killed in Israel in a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
  • Hunger is widespread in Gaza, with Palestinians at risk of famine if Israel does not fully lift its blockade and halt its military campaign.

Sources:

  • The Globe and Mail (no date provided)
  • Associated Press (no date provided)
  • Reuters (no date provided)

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