(Montreal) Canada remains cautious about Israel’s bombing of civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Posted at 5:03 p.m
Pierre Saint-Arnaud The Canadian Press
Addressing an audience of nearly 300 guests invited by the Montreal Council for International Relations (CORIM), Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly on Wednesday called on the Israeli government to “respect international law.”
Therefore, despite the bombing of a refugee camp the day before, Ms. Joly did not go so far as to condemn the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, first affirming that “Israel, like all states, has the right to defend itself against terrorist attacks.”
She immediately added that “he must do so with respect for international law,” arguing that “even in times of crisis, principles must be followed” and that “rules must be respected even in times of war.”
The minister described the situation in Gaza as a “human tragedy” and reiterated that “civilians – both Israelis and Palestinians – must be protected and treated equally.”
Evacuate the 400 Canadians in Gaza
Additionally, Canada’s immediate priority in this region is to help its citizens. “Four hundred Canadians are trapped in Gaza. They live in fear and desperation. As a government, we have a duty to protect them and get them out of this untenable situation,” she said, recalling that seven Canadians have died in this conflict so far and that Global Affairs Canada is “always looking for two people to be could be held captive.”
Canada, like several other countries, is calling for a humanitarian pause, but not a ceasefire. According to Ms. Joly, nuance is important. “A ceasefire occurs when hostilities have completely ended and the parties come to an agreement. A ceasefire is always easier when two states are at war. We are currently dealing with a state, Israel, and a terrorist organization, Hamas. »
Canada, she said, supports a “very pragmatic approach, which is to have humanitarian pauses, a humanitarian ceasefire” to achieve three priorities: getting the 400 Canadians who are in Gaza out and the release of more than 200 hostages to reach those held in Gaza by Hamas and allow humanitarian aid to enter.
“The fact that there are gradual humanitarian breaks ensures that there can be a certain easing of the conflict and a de-escalation,” she hopes.
Linking diplomacy and defense
Ms. Joly did not limit herself to discussing the conflict in the Middle East. She says all Canadian diplomacy needs to take inspiration from this pragmatic approach to adapt to what she says is an international security crisis with the war in Ukraine, China’s maneuvers, etc. Added to this are the challenges of climate change, inflation, artificial intelligence, political polarization, irregular migration, growing inequality and so on.
Mélanie Joly then spoke at length about the need to strengthen the security of the Canadian territory, its economic interests, its democracy and its culture, making a statement that contrasts with traditional Canadian diplomacy: “Diplomacy and defense are more important today than ever .” connected with each other. »
She pointed to increased investment in the Canadian Armed Forces, the purchase of F-35 aircraft, strengthening NORAD, increasing the Canadian presence on NATO’s eastern flank, particularly in Latvia, and support for Ukraine.
Strengthening security in the Arctic
Arctic accessibility also requires Canada to invest in strengthening the security of the Northwest Passage and ensuring its sovereignty over this area, while Russia and China keep an eye on the North and its resources. In this sense, it is also necessary to “invest in diplomatic relations with the countries of Northern Europe, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland”.
Canada, Ms. Joly stressed, must also defend itself against foreign interference and against internal threats to its democracy from “extremist and populist movements.”
The pragmatic approach outlined by Minister Joly also includes diplomatic engagement, even with countries that do not share Canadian values. “We cannot afford to refuse talks with states with which we disagree. […] When we refuse to engage, we encourage those who do not share our goals to unite to our detriment. When compliance with the rules wanes, the empty chair policy does no one any good. »
The minister pointed to the principles of Canadian diplomacy and promised that it “must require that each country respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others.”
The legacy we want to leave to our children
She said Ottawa is committed to increasing its presence at the United Nations and in multilateral institutions. Recognizing the frustration and desire for change in lower-income countries, she pledged to “work to make the World Bank and the IMF (International Monetary Fund) more effective.”
Updating Canadian diplomacy in the context of a disrupted 21st century is “a challenge that will shape the world we leave to our children and grandchildren.” They will judge us by the choices we make. Our ability to prevent global conflict and build a stable and inclusive world. »
“This is a test we must fail,” she concluded.