Canada Abstains from UN Vote Demanding Israel End Presence in Gaza Strip and West Bank

By Staff

The Canadian Press

Posted September 18, 2024 1:59 pm

1 min read

Canada abstained today from a high-profile United Nations vote demanding that Israel end its “unlawful presence” in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank within a year.

Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, told the assembly the motion was too one-sided to support, though he said Ottawa agrees that Israel is illegally occupying Palestinian territories.

This morning’s non-binding vote passed 124-14, and Canada was among 43 abstentions.

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The State of Palestine brought the motion to the UN General Assembly, and Israel says the vote amounts to “diplomatic terrorism.”

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The resolution is based on a July ruling by the International Court of Justice, which condemned Israel’s rule over lands it captured in 1967 by force, saying this violates international laws.

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Last December, Canada stopped its decade-long policy of backing Israel in almost any United Nations vote over concerns about the lack of progress toward a humanitarian ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.

— With files from The Associated Press.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Canada’s abstention from the UN vote on Israel’s presence in the Gaza Strip and West Bank is a significant development in the ongoing conflict. While Canada agrees that Israel’s occupation is illegal, it believes the motion is too one-sided to support.

FAQs

Q: What was the outcome of the UN vote?
A: The vote passed 124-14, with Canada among 43 abstentions.

Q: Why did Canada abstain from the vote?
A: Canada’s ambassador to the UN, Bob Rae, said the motion was too one-sided to support, but Ottawa agrees that Israel’s occupation is illegal.

Q: What is the significance of the International Court of Justice’s ruling?
A: The ruling condemned Israel’s rule over lands it captured in 1967 by force, saying this violates international laws.