Despite an unprecedented letter signed last Friday by 23 Liberals, among others, the Trudeau government does not appear to be moving toward a request for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, at least in the short term.
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At a virtual news conference on Monday in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly indicated that Canada was not present but that political discussions still needed to continue.
“I hear the position of several of my colleagues. “I hear the fact that Canadians expect Canada to play a balanced role and at the same time a role based on our position, which has always been to be a constructive, friendly ally of Israel and a friend of the Palestinian people,” she explained in response to a journalist.
The letter addressed to Justin Trudeau calling for a ceasefire was signed by around thirty elected officials, mostly Liberals but also a handful of New Democrats and Greens.
Ms. Joly highlighted the role she believes Canada can play in resuming a “political dialogue” between actors in the region.
“I think that more than ever we need to be able to talk about the need for political dialogue to create greater peace and stability […]“, emphasized the minister.
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