Explanation of vote – Yes – Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine

Canada voted in favour of this resolution today to emphasize our significant concerns with the direction that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has taken and to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a two-state solution.

The heinous terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023 and devastating humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Gaza is a watershed moment for the region. These events demonstrate that there can be no long-term security – for Israelis or Palestinians alike – without a two-state solution. This resolution also rightly recognizes that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is imperative for the attainment of lasting peace in the region.

However, there are aspects of this resolution that Canada does not agree with, such as its failure to condemn Hamas for the atrocities of October 7, 2023, for its failure to call for the release of hostages, and its use of one sided language vis a vis Israel that does not fully portray the scope of a protracted conflict that has impacted so many Palestinians and Israelis over generations.

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 Judith Weinstein. All Palestinians deserve to be led by a legitimate and representative government, without the participation of a terrorist organization.

Canada has spoken in favour of Israel’s right to defend itself in response to these terrorist attacks. Canada has been equally clear that, in defending itself, Israel must uphold its obligations under international law.

Canada’s position on questions relating to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is guided by our unwavering commitment to international law and to a negotiated solution that best guarantees peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance. It is urgent that the parties return to direct negotiations to resolve final status issues and engage constructively on the path forward. It will also require that violence and terrorism be rejected as a means for achieving political ends.

A conference, here in New York next year, can be an important step toward this shared aim, particularly if the parties – Israel and the Palestinian Authority – are directly involved. Canada looks forward to playing a constructive role.

We regret, however, that an outdated reference to a Conference in Moscow in Operative Paragraph 3 remains in this resolution. The idea that such a conference would be hosted in Moscow is deeply objectionable. Russia’s unprovoked and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine is a clear demonstration that it is not a partner for peace.

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 voted in favour of this resolution to signal our firm commitment 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.