Uncovering Fractures: Leaked Call Puts Canada’s Israel-Gaza Policy Under Scrutiny.
In a recent revelation that reverberated through the Canadian political landscape, a clandestine phone conversation between Liberal MP Rob Oliphant and a concerned constituent has laid bare the internal divisions within the government regarding its approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict. The recording, unbeknownst to Oliphant, provides a raw glimpse into the MP’s inner struggles and exposes the intricate dynamics surrounding Canada’s foreign policy decisions.
As the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, Oliphant shoulders the responsibility of elucidating and defending Canada’s foreign policy in the parliamentary arena. However, the leaked call, dated February 1, paints a picture of Oliphant’s reluctance to staunchly defend the government’s positions. His reservations pivot around three contentious issues: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s handling of the Gaza War, the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the decision to cut funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) amid a famine.
The leaked conversation lays bare Oliphant’s emotional response to the genocide allegations against Israel at the ICJ and Canada’s subsequent suspension of UNRWA funding. He candidly expresses, “My heart falls down in my body. My heart hurts, because the only way to get that aid there is UNRWA.”
It becomes evident that Oliphant disagrees with the government’s move to halt UNRWA funding, deeming it a political decision influenced not only by domestic politics but also by Canada’s allies. He characterizes it as “opportunistic, unfair, and maligning the operation of a UN organization that is doing its best for education, medical care, and food.”
Canada, following the United States, suspended its funding for UNRWA, citing Israeli claims that some of its staff participated in an attack on Israel. Oliphant questions the proportionality of this response, asserting, “You don’t stop aid to Gaza because of 12 or 13 employees out of 13,000. It drives me crazy.” He advocates for an immediate redirection of aid flow to ensure uninterrupted humanitarian assistance.
The leaked call also reveals Oliphant’s critique of the government’s communication strategy regarding the UNRWA suspension. He deems it a “communications disaster” and emphasizes the need for clarity, stating that the government should have announced the redirection of funds on the same day as the suspension.
Oliphant’s personal history of involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is unveiled in the conversation, detailing his visits to the region and UNRWA camps. He passionately defends UNRWA, dispelling claims of antisemitism in its curriculum and emphasizing its vital role in providing aid.
While recognizing the sensitivity of Canada’s Jewish population and the intergenerational trauma caused by the Holocaust, Oliphant urges a balanced approach. He acknowledges the significant support for Israel within Canada’s Jewish community but calls for a reevaluation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions.
The leaked call also touches on Oliphant’s viewpoint regarding the ICJ’s decision to proceed with a genocide trial against Israel. He offers his personal view, stating, “Do I believe there’s genocidal activity on the part of Israel? Probably yes, from what I have seen.” However, he clarifies that this is his opinion and not an official stance of the government.
In response to challenges in the House of Commons, Oliphant defends the government’s UNRWA suspension, emphasizing increased aid to civilians in Gaza. However, the leaked call reveals Oliphant’s genuine concern over the humanitarian consequences of cutting UNRWA funding.
Despite contemplating resignation, Oliphant acknowledges the need for a voice within the government, stating that there must be representation on the inside, not just on the outside. He warns of potential repercussions, fearing a rebellion from the Global South due to perceived negligence.
In conclusion, the leaked call between Rob Oliphant and his constituent has opened a window into the internal divisions within the Liberal government regarding Canada’s foreign policy on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The candid expressions of a parliamentarian torn between loyalty to the government and moral convictions add complexity to the ongoing debate surrounding Canada’s stance on this deeply entrenched and sensitive geopolitical issue. The leaked call serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate challenges faced by policymakers in navigating international conflicts and the weight of their decisions on the global stage.