Joly emphasizes ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as top priority

August 27, 2024 TruthUSA

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly emphasizes Canada’s focus on negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, while also working to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

“We are actively working to facilitate a ceasefire and the release of all hostages, which are my top priorities,” Joly stated at the Liberal cabinet retreat in Halifax on Aug. 26. “Additionally, we urge all parties to avoid any escalation to bring peace back to the region.”

Joly mentioned recent discussions with Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty regarding the ceasefire. “It’s vital for Israel’s long-term security and the well-being of all people in the region. That’s our goal,” she added.

She also communicated with U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who expressed concerns about the conflict potentially evolving into a broader regional war. Sullivan affirmed the continuous efforts with partners to prevent such a scenario.

The conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, with a series of Hamas attacks resulting in the loss of 1,200 Israeli civilian lives. Hamas also kidnapped approximately 250 Israelis, prompting ongoing rescue efforts. Israeli officials fear many hostages may have perished.

Regarding Canada’s stance on the Middle East, Sullivan highlighted that while each country has its perspective, peace, stability, security for Israel, and progress for Palestinians are shared objectives.

Canada endorsed a G7 statement on Aug. 4 addressing heightened tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of de-escalating violence and reducing hostilities.

However, Canada and Japan did not join an Aug. 12 statement by several countries, supporting dialogue to ease tensions and achieve a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. The statement also expressed solidarity with Israel and called for Iran to cease military threats.

In April, Iran launched an attack against Israel in retaliation for previous strikes. Subsequently, Tehran hinted at another potential assault following the assassination of Hamas’s leader in Tehran.

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