A 2024 federal memo from the Department of Foreign Affairs criticized war protestors who compared Israeli military actions in Gaza to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling such comparisons misleading and unfair.“It is disingenuous to seek to liken Israel’s response to Hamas terrorist attacks with Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine,” diplomats wrote in a note titled Recent Developments On The Humanitarian Situation In Gaza. Blacklock's Reporter said the department said Canada supports the right of both Israel and Ukraine to defend themselves within the bounds of international law.The memo dismissed claims of a double standard in Canada’s foreign policy, particularly from critics who accused Ottawa of applying inconsistent principles when judging military conflicts. .“Canada rejects the suggestion there is any kind of ‘double standard’ at play,” it said. “All civilian lives are equal, Palestinian and Israeli, and all civilian losses are tragic.”Officials also emphasized that while civilian casualties are always serious, they do not automatically render a military strike illegal under international humanitarian law. “An attack on a legitimate target may cause civilian casualties or damage to civilian objects,” the memo said, but added that combatants must still avoid actions likely to cause disproportionate civilian harm.The memo criticized anti-Israel resolutions at the United Nations, saying many were repetitive and one-sided. “Canada does not support resolutions that unfairly single out Israel for criticism,” the department said, without outlining the full scope of Canada’s recent voting record at the UN..In 2023, Canada’s delegation joined nations including China, Cuba and Russia in supporting a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza — without condemning Hamas’s killings and kidnappings in Israel, which included Canadian victims. The vote drew backlash from within the Liberal Party.Liberal MP Anthony Housefather (Mount Royal, Que.) called the vote disappointing and confusing. “I am very disappointed in the vote at the United Nations,” he told reporters. When asked whether he could still remain in the party, Housefather declined to answer directly.Michael Levitt, former Liberal MP and now head of the Canadian Friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Centre, called the vote unforgivable. “This sends a crystal clear message to Canadian Jews and their allies who overwhelmingly support Israel and its right to exist that the government does not have their backs,” said Levitt. “This will not soon be forgotten.”“My advice to all politicians: If you can’t stand proud and strong with the Jewish community don’t light our damn Hanukkah candles,” he added.
