441-02213 (Foreign affairs)

Canada stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity and without fear. Canada mourns every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and expresses condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence.

Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. Canada condemns Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Canada recognizes Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. Canada will continue to call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.

The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas.

Canada is calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Hostages must be released. The need for humanitarian assistance has never been greater. Rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief must be provided to civilians. The International Court of Justice has been clear: Israel must ensure the delivery of basic services and essential humanitarian assistance and must protect civilians. The Court’s decisions on provisional measures are binding. 

Canada voted in favour of a resolution adopted on December 12, 2023, by the United Nations General Assembly calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Canada supported the ceasefire referred to in this resolution as a necessary step to protect civilians, to allow for the entry of important humanitarian relief into Gaza, and to allow foreign nationals, including Canadians, to leave Gaza. In explaining Canada's support for the resolution, Canada reiterated that this ceasefire cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using civilians as human shields, and it must lay down its weapons. There is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.

Canada is deeply concerned by the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the diminishing safe space for civilians, and the ongoing risks to all Palestinian civilians. The rapid and unimpeded access of humanitarian relief for civilians is essential. Canada will continue to work with partners towards ensuring the sustained access of humanitarian assistance for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers. To date, Canada has announced $100 million in humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis, including a matching fund of $13.7 million that leveraged the generosity of individual Canadians. This funding will help provide food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance. Canada will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that no money gets into the hands of Hamas.

Ultimately, a negotiated political solution is needed to achieve lasting peace and security. Canada remains steadfast in it commitment to a two-state solution, including the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in peace, security, and dignity.