Photo: Jacques Boissinot La Presse canadienne «Le Hamas est un mouvement terroriste, mais force est d’admettre que les populations civiles dans Gaza sont dans une situation terrible», a déclaré la ministre Martine Biron, qu’on voit ici en octobre.
Quebec revises its position on the Israel-Hamas conflict and calls for the establishment of “conditions for a lasting cessation of hostilities”. Unlike Ottawa, the Legault government is still not demanding an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza.
The Minister of International Relations, Martine Biron, explained Monday that she had reviewed Quebec's position in light of a position taken by the UN Security Council and a decision by the Court international justice. The latter called on Israel on Friday to prevent any possible act of “genocide” and to allow humanitarian access to Gaza.
“When the [UN] Security Council says that the conditions must be put in place for a cessation of hostilities, I think we must hear what the Security Council is saying,” launched Ms. Biron, on the sidelines an announcement on access to abortion in Quebec.
The minister also highlighted that the Security Council had demanded in December the “large-scale” delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. “I don’t feel like it was done,” she noted.
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“It’s an evolving conflict. My issue is that of Hamas. Hamas is a terrorist movement, but we must admit that the civilian populations in Gaza are in a terrible situation,” said Ms. Biron. “We must not give in to a terrorist movement like Hamas, but still, at what price ? Civilians in Gaza are suffering enormously, it would be good […] if we could ease the suffering of innocent people. »
Still no ceasefire
Minister Biron confirmed that Quebec is still not calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. To do this, he first demands “the capitulation of Hamas” and the release of Israeli hostages.
In mid-December, Quebec refused to follow suit with Ottawa, which then requested an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza. “Hamas, a terrorist movement recognized by several states, including Canada, must lay down its arms. In addition, the hostages must be released so that a ceasefire can be considered,” Minister Biron’s office then declared to Devoir.
We must not give in to a terrorist movement like Hamas, but still, at what cost ?
— Martine Biron, Minister of International Relations
Two days earlier, Ottawa had voted for a resolution demanding a UN ceasefire, along with 152 other states. Justin Trudeau had previously sent a joint communiqué with his counterparts from Australia and New Zealand in which he demanded a “lasting ceasefire” while asking Hamas “to release all hostages”.< /p>
The surprise attack carried out by Hamas on October 7 resulted in the deaths of around 1,140 people in Israel, according to an Agence France-Presse count based on official Israeli figures. The majority of victims are civilians. In response, Israel launched an attack of “unprecedented force” in Gaza and killed more than 25,000 people, mainly women and children, according to the Hamas health ministry. Israel says 132 people taken hostage remain in Gaza.