Hon. Wanda Thomas Bernard: My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.

Senator Gold, we are witnessing the ongoing violence against Palestinians. This is not about self-defence; innocent men, women and children in Gaza are being killed. People are dying of starvation and dehydration. The Israeli military have bombed and raided hospitals. Adequate food and medical supplies are not being allowed to enter that region. Many countries, including South Africa, have called for the end of violence.

Senator Gold, what will Canada do to ensure that we do not allow another genocide to occur on our watch?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Canada’s position regarding this dispute and war between Israel and Hamas, and on the devastating impact on innocent civilians in Gaza, is well known, public and appropriate: The loss of innocent life, regardless of where they are from or who they are, is a tragedy to be deplored.

It is not the case that no aid is getting through, though more aid is needed. Canada will continue to work with its democratic allies and the international community to use its influence in the hope of bringing this tragic conflict to a just and appropriate end.