In comparison to the United States of America (USA), Canada is not a major military, or even political, player when it comes to the Middle East. Thus, with all due respect, none of the fighting entities cares much about any of our country’s official statements. In contrast, they likely care more, and appear to fear, the USA, which could perhaps explain their most recent release of the American-Israeli hostage (thankfully for him and for his family).
Bearing the above in mind, our new Foreign Minister, the competent Ms. Anita Anand made a rather odd statement, reported in Reuters as well as in local and international media, including Israeli ones. She “accused Israel of using lack of food as a tool in Gaza“. Of note, In the French-speaking La Presse, the title of such article is: “Israel ‘attacking’ Palestinians, says Anita Anand” (https://tinyurl.com/4yzkmmx6). Quite a big accusation, whether the starvation is intentional or not.
Regardless, the outcome of this UGLY and endless war is devastating for the innocent Palestinians, namely Gazan people. Thus, one may be tempted to consider that, with her statement, Ms. Anand seems to want to show Canada’s solidarity with them. Their living conditions are beyond heartbreaking. Indeed those conditions are humanly unacceptable. How could they be when they seem to be missing the basic ingredient in life: dignity?
However, and sadly, Canada’s statement seems to be lacking balance because it omits to mention Hamas. As a reminder, the latter kidnapped, and still seems to refuse to release, many remaining innocent Israeli hostages (https://tinyurl.com/4ybr3tzz).
Furthermore, in the same statement, Canada’s Foreign Minister informed us that Canada is with a two-state solution to the conflict (like Bambi historically): “We need to continue to work towards a ceasefire. We need to ensure that we have a two-state solution, and Canada will continue to maintain that position“, added Ms. Anand. The question that begs itself now is the following: If Canada is for a two-state solution, why isn’t it also equally harsh in its words with Hamas, not just with Israel? Make no mistake please dear readers, Bambi is not writing this post to defend Israel, even if she can acknowledge, and even well understand, its initial touchy position of being under attack on several fronts at once.
Thus, why doesn’t Canada demand that both fighting entities compromise immediately to end this absurd violence, initiated by Hamas’ attack of October 7, 2023 (as Iran’s Islamist proxy) and maintained by Israel’s leaders? The people of the Middle East, and their loved ones abroad, are sick and tired of wars. They want to live in peace… and ideally love.
So, how about a more measured Canadian statement that does not risk appearing to enable terror, even if likely made naively. For instance, an official statement can simply go like the following: Hamas must immediately return all the remaining hostages (ideally alive) AND Israel must stop its harshness in Gaza immediately.
Enough of suffering for all innocent people… for God/G-D/Allah’s/No God(s)’ sake.
