In response to a video of a senior Hamas official praising Canada’s stance on a ceasefire in Gaza, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has clarified her government’s position on the matter. Emphasizing that Hamas are terrorists, Joly stated that for a ceasefire to be sustainable, Hamas must release hostages, stop using Palestinian civilians as human shields, and lay down its arms. She also condemned Hamas’ terrorist attacks, highlighting that they have no future in Gaza.
The Liberal government changed its stance on the ceasefire on Dec. 12 after weeks of resisting calling for one, instead seeking a “humanitarian pause.” On the same day, Canada voted for a United Nations resolution calling for a ceasefire, drawing anger from Jewish groups and criticism from some Liberal MPs.
Hamas expressed satisfaction with Ottawa’s change in stance in a video posted online on Dec. 18, stating that they considered it to be in the right direction to isolate the Israeli government.
Hamas, labeled a terrorist entity by Canada, launched raids into Israel on Oct. 7, causing civilian deaths and kidnappings. Canada immediately stated it supported Israel’s right to self-defense, but Liberal ministers denounced the heavy civilian toll in the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently made critical comments about Israel’s actions, stating that it could jeopardize future support for a Jewish state. He was also criticized by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that it was Hamas, not Israel, that was deliberately targeting civilians.