The Canadian Government’s Refusal to Call for a Ceasefire in Gaza: A Crisis of Foreign Policy

Amid a growing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the Canadian federal government’s reluctance to call for a ceasefire from Israel is raising serious questions about its foreign policy decisions. This stance is in stark contrast to the government’s repeated calls for a one in Ukraine, highlighting a disheartening inconsistency in Canada’s approach to international conflicts. The situation reflects a lack of foreign policy experience and a concerning alignment with the United States, which has also been unwilling to call for a halt to Israel’s military bombardment.

Canada, as an independent nation, has historically prided itself on making its own decisions in foreign affairs. However, the current government’s position in Gaza suggests a significant departure from this principle. While Canada has urged for peace in Ukraine, it has failed to do the same in the case of Gaza, a glaring example of the government’s wavering commitment to humanitarian principles.

The internal divisions within the Liberal caucus further complicate matters. Liberal MP Salma Zahid recently released a letter signed by many of her fellow MPs, as well as members from the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Green Party, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. In contrast, the Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois, along with other Liberal MPs, have chosen not to take a stand on this issue. This internal rift within the Canadian political landscape reflects the complexity of addressing this crisis.

Interestingly, it is the federal NDP that has taken the lead on the Gaza humanitarian crisis, demonstrating a proactive approach that aligns more closely with how a government should act in the face of a dire situation. This role reversal emphasizes the need for a unified response from the Canadian government, given the magnitude of the situation in the Middle East.

A significant concern in this crisis is the apparent violation of international law. International law is meant to apply universally, but it often seems to be selectively enforced, focusing on weaker countries that lack the means to defend themselves or do not possess nuclear capabilities. The countries often involved in violations of international law tend not to be signatories to the International Criminal Court (ICC), rendering them largely immune to legal consequences. This raises questions about the global commitment to upholding international norms and principles.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached an alarming level, with over 10,000 people killed, including more than 3,500 children. Moreover, over one million people are now homeless, with few viable options for shelter. The proposal to relocate these displaced individuals to a desert and have Western nations claim them as refugees is deeply troubling. The current situation illustrates a lack of urgency and empathy on the part of the international community.

“ceasefire” should not be treated like a mere political play. The Canadian government should aspire to a higher standard in international diplomacy. While the attacks on innocent Israelis are undeniably heartbreaking, the overall situation in Gaza, along with the conditions people have been living in for decades, cries out for resolution. There is no reason why Israel cannot coexist peacefully with a Palestinian state.

Power dynamics and political considerations are obstructing the path to peace. The urgency of the crisis demands that differences be set aside for the collective survival of the people living in the region. The current generation and the generations to come should not be held hostage by the failure to find a peaceful solution to this conflict. It is time for Canada to reassert its independence in foreign policy and demonstrate a consistent commitment to humanitarian principles. The urgency of the Gaza crisis calls for a prompt and decisive response, as the lives of innocent civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian, hang in the balance.