PM Justin Trudeau supporting ‘sustainable ceasefire’ in Gaza

Canada is set to vote in favour of a non-binding resolution at the United Nations that calls for “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas, a federal government source confirms to The Canadian Press.

The source was granted anonymity to discuss matters not yet made public ahead of Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly speaking to reporters on Parliament Hill.

Canada’s expected position on the non-binding resolution at the UN General Assembly Tuesday represents a major shift in its long-standing position of voting with Israel on major resolutions at the international body.

The latest comes after the prime ministers of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand called for “international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas in a joint statement.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon began their call by saying the countries mourn every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which “has been lost in this conflict.”

They expressed their condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence, hours ahead of the UN vote.

“We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ terror attacks on Israel on October 7, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. We condemn Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and call for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages,” the statement reads.

“We recognize Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. We are alarmed at the diminishing safe space for civilians in Gaza. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians.”

The statement was the most direct call for a ceasefire from Trudeau yet, as he has previously shied away from using the term.

The statement continues to say Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are “deeply concerned” by the scale of the humanitarian crisis in the occupied territory, and “ongoing risks to all Palestinian civilians.”

“Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access must be increased and sustained.”

The prime ministers say they want to see a recent pause “in hostilities” resume, extending into a sustainable ceasefire.

“This cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using Palestinian civilians as human shields, and lay down its arms,” they said. “There is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.”

“We support Palestinians’ right to self-determination. We oppose the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the re-occupation of Gaza, any reduction in territory, and any use of siege or blockade. We emphasize that Gaza must no longer be used as a platform for terrorism. We reaffirm that settlements are illegal under international law. Settlements and settler violence are serious obstacles to a negotiated two-state solution,” they wrote.

The statement also addresses the possibility of conflict expanding across the Middle East, including directly calling for the Yemen-based Houthis to “cease immediately their attacks on international shipping and crew operating in the Red Sea.”

“We condemn rising antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiment in our countries and around the world and remain firmly committed to combatting prejudice, hatred, and violent extremism.”

-With files from The Canadian Press