Canada welcomes Gaza ceasefire vote at UN: Joly [Video]

Canada welcomes the United Nations Security Council’s call for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas during Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said Monday. 

Canada has been asking for a sustainable ceasefire since December, she said at a press conference in Ottawa.

“We’ve clearly stated that the violence must stop and this ceasefire must be linked to hostages being released, Hamas laying down its weapons and also making sure that humanitarian aid can reach Gaza,” Joly said. 

“We hope that this (resolution) will be sending a clear message to all parties involved.”

The resolution approved Monday demands the release of hostages but does not make it a condition for the ceasefire for the month of Ramadan, which ends April 9.

That means such a pause would only last for two weeks. The draft resolution notes that such a break in the fighting should lead “to a permanent …