Quebec revises its position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and calls for the establishment of “conditions for a lasting cessation of hostilities”. Unlike Ottawa, the Legault government is still not demanding an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza.
The Minister of International Relations, Martine Biron, explained Monday that she had reviewed Quebec’s position in light of a position taken by the UN Security Council and a decision by the International Court of Justice. The latter called on Israel on Friday to prevent any possible act of “genocide” and to authorize humanitarian access to Gaza.
“When the Security Council [de l’ONU] said that the conditions must be put in place for a cessation of hostilities, I think we must hear what the Security Council is saying,” said Mr.me Biron, on the sidelines of an announcement on access to abortion in Quebec.
The minister also stressed that the Security Council had demanded the “large-scale” delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. “I don’t feel like it’s been done,” she observed.
“It’s an evolving conflict. My issue is that of Hamas. Hamas is a terrorist movement, but we must admit that the civilian populations in Gaza are in a terrible situation,” declared Mr.me Biron. “We must not give in to a terrorist movement like Hamas, but still, at what cost? Civilians in Gaza are suffering a lot, it would be good […] so that the suffering of the innocent can be alleviated. »
Still no ceasefire
Minister Biron confirmed that Quebec is still not calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. To do this, he first demands “the capitulation of Hamas” and the release of Israeli hostages.
In mid-December, Quebec refused to follow suit with Ottawa, which then requested an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza. “Hamas, a terrorist movement recognized by several states including Canada, must lay down its arms. In addition, the hostages must be released so that a ceasefire can be considered,” the Biron cabinet then declared to the Duty.
We must not give in to a terrorist movement like Hamas, but still, at what cost?
Two days earlier, Ottawa voted for a resolution demanding a United Nations (UN) ceasefire, along with 152 other states. Justin Trudeau had previously sent a joint statement with his counterparts from Australia and New Zealand, in which he demanded a “lasting ceasefire”, while asking Hamas “to release all hostages”.
The surprise attack carried out by Hamas on October 7 resulted in the deaths of around 1,140 people in Israel, according to a count by Agence France-Presse based on official Israeli figures. The majority of victims are civilians. In response, Israel launched an attack of “unprecedented force” in Gaza and left more than 25,000 dead, mainly women and children, according to the Hamas Ministry of Health. Israel says 132 people taken hostage remain in Gaza.