e-4773 (Foreign affairs)

The Government of Canada shares the shock and horror felt across Canada – and around the world – at the brutal and unthinkable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023. This was the single deadliest day for people of Jewish faith since the Holocaust, and for the Israeli people since the creation of Israel in 1948. Unspeakable acts of sexual and gender-based violence were committed, and more than 240 people were taken hostage – with many of them still remaining in captivity. These actions by Hamas – a listed terrorist organization – are unjustifiable and must be unequivocally condemned.

The Government of Canada also recognizes the devastating toll faced by Palestinians as a result of the ensuing conflict. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The tragic loss of civilian lives – particularly women and children – is heartbreaking. Too many people have been killed. The violence must stop. The need for humanitarian assistance has never been greater.

For months, Canada has been calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. This is needed urgently, and it must not be one-sided. Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages. Rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian relief must be provided.

Israel must listen to the growing consensus among the international community and refrain from a ground offensive into Rafah, where 1.7 million Palestinians are seeking refuge. It must also listen to the International Court of Justice and ensure the protection of civilians, the delivery of basic services, and access for essential humanitarian assistance. Strikes on humanitarian personnel, such as the one which seven employees of World Central Kitchen including Canadian citizen Jacob Flickinger, are absolutely unacceptable. Canada expects full accountability for these killings, and has conveyed this to the Israeli government directly.

As the Minister of Foreign Affairs has outlined, Canada’s long-standing position is ultimately rooted three key principles: that Israel has a right to exist and by extension defend itself, in accordance with humanitarian law; that protection of civilians is paramount; and that the Palestinian people have a right to self-determination. This is why the Government of Canada has continued to call for a sustainable ceasefire as a necessary path to towards securing lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians, and why the Government has remained commitment to its long-standing goal of a two-state solution, including the creation of a Palestinian state, where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in peace, security, and dignity.

The Government of Canada also remains committed to full compliance with its export control regime, which is one of the most rigorous in the world. This was strengthened by Canada’s accession to the Arms Trade Treaty in 2019, which was enshrined into law alongside enhanced public reporting requirements. All permits issued for the export of military goods and technologies destined to Israel between October 7, 2023 and January 8, 2024 – as well as all previously approved permits which remain in effect – are for non-lethal items. The government has not approved any new permits since January 8, 2024.  The Government is also fully engaged in responding to the provisions of the motion passed by the House of Commons on March 18, 2024.