Canada failed to support Israel at the UN for the first time in a long time
The country voted in favor of a cease-fire.
In a UN vote on a non-binding resolution, Canada reversed its longstanding policy. It voted in favor of a ceasefire, shocking numerous Jewish groups.
The development marks a shift in Canada's longstanding position, which both before the escalating Arab-Israeli conflict and since October 7 in particular has sided with Israel on major resolutions in the international body and argued that the Jewish state has been unfairly criticized by world public opinion. Representatives of Canada's ruling party said the change of course was influenced by the bloody ground operation in Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of casualties and a humanitarian crisis in the region.
Foreign Minister Melanie Joly commented on the vote. She said that Israel's current strategy only reinforces the cycle of violence:
"This will not lead to the durable defeat of Hamas, which is necessary, and the threat that it poses to Israel. With the future of Israelis and Palestinians in mind, Canada is joining the international call for humanitarian ceasefire."
Joly also noted that Canada continues to respect Israel's right to defend itself, but the methods by which it defends itself matter.
Canada also supported a U.S. resolution condemning Hamas, but it ultimately failed to garner the necessary number of votes.
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