Canada’s statement delivered at 52nd plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly, 78th session

January 9, 2024 - New York, New York – Global Affairs Canada

Thank you, Mr. President.

It has been three months since Hamas’ brutal terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, which triggered the violence we are now witnessing in the region. Canada continues to mourn every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict.

Canada welcomes the Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2720 on December 22, including its call upon “all parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law.” We also thank the Secretary General for his prompt action in appointing Ms. Sigrid Kaag as Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator.

Canada welcomes the Resolution’s call for “urgent steps” to be taken "to create the conditions for a sustainable ceasefire of hostilities.” This cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using Palestinian civilians as human shields, and lay down its arms.

Canada is deeply concerned by the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and by the ongoing risks to all Palestinian civilians. Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access must be expanded and sustained. We recognize the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and we oppose the forcible displacement of civilians from Gaza.

Canada is also alarmed by the impact of the conflict throughout the region, and we urge all governments in the region to work towards containing the conflict. We demand that the Houthis cease immediately their attacks on international ships and crews operating in the Red Sea, and we welcome the discussions underway at the Security Council on this topic, as well as the Statement that it published on this issue on December 1st of last year. There is no lawful justification for intentionally targeting civilian and military vessels.

Canada unreservedly supports the goal of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East. In addition, we remain determined to support a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognized borders.