The United Nations General Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution calling for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce” between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in Gaza. It also demands “continuous, sufficient and unhindered” provision of lifesaving supplies and services for civilians trapped inside the enclave in favour, 14 against. Read more.
After a day and a half of deliberations, The United Nations General Assembly adopted a major resolution, calling for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities”; it was proposed by Jordan and backed by over 45 Member States.
An amendment proposed by Canada’s Ambassador Bob Rae backed by the US and Israel, seeking an explicit condemnation of Hamas, did not pass, failing to get two-thirds support.
In a powerful speech rebutting Canada’s explanation, Pakistan’s ambassador Munir Akram said “We all know who started this“. “It is 50 years of Israeli occupation and the killing of Palestinians with impunity. “Israel can’t face the truth or face justice. The Israeli occupation is the original sin, not what happened on 7 October.”
In the end, Canada decided to abstain on the final motion for a ceasefire. Voting against the call for a humanitarian truce would likely have been seen as damaging to Canada’s hopes to be elected to the UN Human Rights Council as announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Joly last May.
General Assembly votes have no legal power and can only be enforced if member states decide to do so. They are, however, a barometer of world opinion.
WHEN CAN WE SAY “GENOCIDE”?
Abstaining on a motion for a an immediate humanitarian truce is disgraceful. Israel has blocked all electricity and fuel, and is allowing only token amounts of food, water and medical supplies to reach Gaza. Israel has now cut off all communication with Gaza, and has apparently begun a ground assault.
CTIP supports an immediate ceasefire and the immediate release of all civilian hostages
Canada Talks Israel/Palestine 
So, when can say genocide, my friend? Aren’t we there yet? r.
This is truly sad that Canada would sell its integrity in this fashion. It’s clear that Hamas committed atrocities, that’s all we’ve heard for 21 days. Why Bob Rae and Co. would not support a resolution for a ceasefire because it didn’t condemn Hamas is simply avoiding taking a stand. Our most precious values that define us as Canadian have been tossed aside by sycophants and cowards. It serves no one to act this way and simply undermines international law and the universality of human rights. Canada has long been an embarrassment on the Middle East file and Trudeau, Rae and Joly continue this trend. It’s hurtful that they would abandon the Palestinians at this time particularly when Israel and Biden have made it clear that getting rid of Hamas is worth every Palestinian life required. We deserve better. The Palestinians deserve better. The world deserves better.
And yes we are there.
Peter,
Do you consider the Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons without charge or trial to be hostages?
I guess the main difference is that “hostages’ arent accused of anything, whereas Palestinian prisoners are accused of something though they don’t know what it is.
A heart breaking genocide is happening in Gaza right now! Shame on Bob Rae!
Shame on Canada!
Why shame. He is just doing his job as a double agent. He’s right up there with Putin whom he accused of losing his moral compass.