Incoming UN Ambassador David Lametti emphasized the importance of thorough assessment of evidence before Canada acknowledges any potential genocide in Gaza. He stated that Canada typically aligns its stance with a UN resolution or an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling regarding such matters.
Lametti highlighted that Canada historically waits for an authoritative international body to make a determination on genocide before taking a position, a practice that has been in place for years and is considered appropriate by the Canadian government.
His remarks came shortly after a recent UN inquiry report implicated Israel in committing genocide in Gaza, alleging involvement of top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in inciting these actions. The report detailed various atrocities to support the genocide claim, echoing similar findings by human rights organizations.
While the ICJ has not yet made a definitive ruling on Israel’s actions in Gaza, a previous decision in January 2024 directed Israel to refrain from potential genocidal acts in Gaza, although enforcement mechanisms were lacking. Despite Israel’s request to dismiss the case, the ICJ maintained its position for further review.
Lametti’s statements mirrored those of Justice Minister Sean Fraser, who stressed the importance of a comprehensive legal process based on factual submissions to determine any genocide allegations against Israel.
In a related development, Canada is poised to formally recognize Palestinian statehood during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York next week. Prime Minister Mark Carney previously announced this decision, contingent on the Palestinian Authority undertaking democratic reforms, including holding elections in 2026.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand differentiated between “recognition” and “normalization,” emphasizing the significance of recognizing Palestine for the two-state solution’s sustainability. She clarified that normalization involves diplomatic relations enhancement, such as establishing embassies and facilitating citizen transfers between the involved states.
Carney reiterated the conditions for recognizing Palestine, emphasizing the exclusion of Hamas from the electoral process and the necessity for the release of Israeli captives, alongside the demilitarization of a prospective Palestinian state.