Canada votes on Emergency Special Session resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and in support of the mandate of UNRWA

December 11, 2024

Canada voted in favour of these resolutions because of the urgent and growing need to address this crisis, Canada’s votes today emphasize our longstanding calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the increase of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, and to reaffirm our support of UNRWA. There are certain elements of these resolutions that we do not agree with. We continue to believe that these resolutions should condemn Hamas’ horrific acts of terror, including on October 7, and its use of human shields. We would also like to see greater emphasis on the need for both parties to the conflict to meaningfully negotiate an immediate ceasefire.

The heinous terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, and devastating humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Gaza is a watershed moment for the region. Canada remains unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas’ heinous terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, and ongoing acts of terror, and we continue to call on Hamas to lay down its arms, cease its use of violence, and immediately release all hostages and the remains of deceased hostages, including the remains of Canadian Citizen Judih Weinstein. We are pleased to see a demand for the release of hostages, whose detention can under no circumstances be allowed to continue, feature prominently in the ceasefire resolution.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is horrific and continues to worsen. We mourn all civilians killed since October 7. The scale of civilian casualties is heartbreaking and unacceptable, all actors must comply with international law. UNRWA’s role in responding to this crisis is crucial. Canada reaffirms its commitment to UNRWA and has condemned the legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset on October 28, which threatens to prevent UNRWA’s vital work in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. We continue to press Israel not to implement this legislation, and to enable the continuation of UNRWA’s activities in education, health services, and to work constructively to enable its crucial role in delivery of humanitarian assistance.

We have taken note of UNRWA’s efforts to address allegations against its staff and its willingness to pursue and implement reform of internal processes in line with the independent review of April 2024, led by Ms. Catherine Colonna, on UNRWA neutrality. We call on UNRWA to continue its path of reform as a priority, demonstrating its commitment to the principle of neutrality, and ensure that its activities remain entirely in line with its mandate. We will continue to actively monitor and support this process.

Let us be clear that Canada continues to consider that there are still far too many resolutions related to the Israeli Palestinian conflict, and remains opposed to the disproportionate singling out of Israel for criticism. Canada reiterates the importance of a fair-minded approach at the United Nations and will continue to vote “no” on resolutions do that do not address the complexities of the issues.

Canada remains committed to the two-state solution, at a time when dynamics in the broader region show that conflict management as opposed to conflict resolution, is not a sustainable path to returning the region to a peaceful and prosperous trajectory.