While calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza are welcome, resolution failed to condemn Hamas or recognize necessity of a substantive peace plan
New York, NY - JSpaceCanada is concerned about Canada’s recent vote at the UN General Assembly: despite the crucial and necessary call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas and other militant groups, and for all parties to adhere to international law and rules of war, the resolution fails to include vital steps towards holding Hamas responsible or outlining a viable peace process.
“We are dismayed that condemnation of Hamas was not included in the resolution,” said JSpaceCanada Chair Joe Roberts. “The militant group controls the Gaza Strip and is responsible for the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 that claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis. We are additionally concerned that a call for a ceasefire without a comprehensive plan to guarantee the safety and security of Israelis and Palestinians in the long-term will lead simply to a resumption of the pre-October 7th status quo. Any call that fails to meet the terms set out in the tripartite statement issued by Prime Minister Trudeau earlier that same day is undeserving of Canada’s support.”
Despite these reservations, JSpaceCanada is still urging Israel to agree to another humanitarian pause or cessation of hostilities in exchange for the release of additional hostages.
“Should another pause come into effect, Israel and its international allies should take advantage of the relative calm of that pause to reevaluate the tactics employed by Israeli forces in this conflict,” said Roberts. “Ensuring a just approach moving forward that seeks to remove Hamas from power while protecting civilian lives is the only possible way forward. For Israel to continue on its current path of devastation and deepening the catastrophic humanitarian crisis for millions of innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza without seeking a long-term political solution, all but guarantees radicalization of the next generation and the survival of Hamas’ ideology.”
Israel and international players must recognize that the most effective way to counter Hamas is through a commitment to a two-state solution, and create comprehensive plans today to resume negotiations at once.
JSpaceCanada remains deeply concerned about Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent statements opposing the Oslo Accords, demonization of the Palestinian Authority, and continued attempts to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu’s strategy of strengthening Hamas while weakening the Palestinian Authority over his 10-plus years in power has proven to be an unequivocal failure. And with his rhetoric indicating further intention to continue on this path, which will be detrimental to Israelis and Palestinians alike, as well as to the prospects of a two-state solution.
In light of these concerns, JSpaceCanadacalls on Canada to commit to the tripartite statement along with Australia and New Zealand with tangible, concrete steps, emphasizing that a permanent cessation of fighting should only occur when Hamas is no longer a threat, all hostages are released, and a comprehensive plan for lasting peace is in place.