China News Service, Toronto, April 3 (Reporter Yu Ruidong) An attack by the Israeli military in Gaza on the evening of April 1 resulted in the death of many members of charity organizations, including Canadian citizens. Senior Canadian government officials, including Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, expressed "unacceptable" the incident on the 2nd.
Trudeau told the media at an event in Halifax that the incident was "absolutely unacceptable." He said this should not have happened and "clearly requires full accountability and investigation". Trudeau also reiterated his call for a ceasefire and said his heart breaks for the families of the victims of the attack and for the organizations that are putting themselves at risk in response to the devastating humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in Gaza.
Canadian Foreign Minister Jolly expressed through online social platforms that he was deeply shocked by reports that many members of the charity organization "World Central Kitchen", including Canadians, were killed in Israeli attacks. Canada condemns these attacks, calls for a comprehensive investigation, and will make it clear to the Israeli government that it hopes to hold full accountability. She also said that attacks on humanitarian personnel are absolutely unacceptable and international humanitarian law must be respected.
Members of the international charity organization "World Central Kitchen" were delivering food to Gaza on the evening of the 1st when their vehicle was attacked by the Israeli army on the road in the Deir al-Barah area of central Gaza. "World Central Kitchen" confirmed that seven members of the organization were killed, including Jacob Flickinger, a 33-year-old man with dual citizenship of the United States and Canada. The remaining six people include a Palestinian man, an Australian woman, a Polish man and three British men.
The Israel Defense Forces admitted that "preliminary reports" showed that the attack was a "serious mistake."
On March 18, a non-binding motion on a new round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict proposed by the New Democratic Party was passed by the House of Representatives of the Canadian Parliament after consultation and revision. Several demands of the motion include: the Canadian government stops further authorization and transfer of arms exports to Israel; requires humanitarian aid to enter Gaza without hindrance; and actively promotes the realization of goals including the establishment of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution through negotiations. The next day, the Canadian Foreign Minister’s Office responded to the media and stated that Canada has frozen arms exports to Israel since January 8 this year and will continue to freeze; however, the previously approved arms export licenses are still valid. (over)