The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held her first bilateral discussion with Israel Katz, who was recently appointed as Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
During the call, Minister Joly reaffirmed Canada's support for Israel's right to exist and to defend itself in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law. She reiterated Canada's unequivocal condemnation of Hamas' terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, its unacceptable treatment of hostages and its heinous use of sexual and gender-based violence as a tactic of war. She reaffirmed Canada's continued calls for the immediate release of all hostages and its readiness to support investigations into acts of sexual and gender-based violence committed on October 7.
Minister Joly shared her deep concern over the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinian civilians in Gaza and emphasized that the protection of civilians is paramount, including ensuring they have access to life-saving humanitarian aid.
Minister Joly thanked Minister Katz for his government's ongoing cooperation to evacuate Canadians, Permanent Residents and their family members from Gaza.
She reaffirmed Canada's commitment to a two-state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace and security, with dignity and without fear.
Minister Joly and Minister Katz also discussed the threat posed by Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups to Israel and its regional security. Minister Joly underscored Canada's diplomatic efforts to avoid further regional escalation, the impacts on civilians and the further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
2024 marks the 75th anniversary of Canada-Israel bilateral relations. This important milestone serves as a reminder of the deep and enduring people-to-people, economic and political ties between the countries.
