Prime Minister Mark Carney has called Israel’s denial of humanitarian aid in Gaza a violation of international law.
In a news statement on Thursday, he pressed for Israel’s control of aid distribution to be replaced amid reports of mass starvation in Gaza.
His statement comes hours after French President Emmanuel Macron announced on X that he intends for his country to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
“Israel’s control of aid distribution must be replaced by comprehensive provision of humanitarian assistance led by international organizations,” Carney said in a news statement Thursday evening. “Many of these are holding significant Canadian-funded aid which has been blocked from delivery to starving civilians.”
“This denial of humanitarian aid is a violation of international law,” he added.
Carney reiterated that Canada supports a two-state solution “which guarantees peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.”
Israel condemned Macron’s announcement made on X, in which he shared a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France’s intention to press ahead and work to convince other partners to follow suit.
“True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” Macron said.
“I will make this solemn announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next September.”
Earlier on Thursday, federal Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said that she would attend a two-state solution conference in New York City, where she will meet with her French counterparts to discuss Macron’s decision.
“We need to ensure that Hamas lays down its arms and does not participate in any way in the governance of an eventual two-state solution,” she said, noting that ensuring that humanitarian aid flows and that hostages are released are important for Canadians .
