eHalal Canada
🇨🇦 Canadian Parliamentarian Recorded Criticizing Government’s Decision to Defund UNRWA
A leaked recording has captured Rob Oliphant, a prominent figure tasked with defending Canada’s foreign policy in Parliament, expressing candid opinions on Canada’s decision to defund the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and his views on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In the recording, Oliphant voiced strong disapproval of Canada’s move to halt funding to UNRWA, attributing the decision to political pressure from allies like the United States rather than any substantiated allegations against the organization. He emphasized the critical role UNRWA plays in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees, including education, medical care, and food assistance.
Oliphant lamented the impact of aid cuts on the people of Gaza, stressing the indispensability of UNRWA’s infrastructure for delivering assistance to those in need. He criticized the notion of diverting aid to other channels, noting that alternative agencies would still rely on UNRWA’s personnel and resources.
Moreover, Oliphant did not mince words regarding his views on the Israeli government’s actions, expressing belief in the existence of what he termed “genocidal activity” by Israel. He attributed responsibility for the situation in Gaza to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that Israel’s actions not only harm Palestinians but also undermine its own interests.
In terms of reconstruction efforts in Gaza, Oliphant argued that Israel should bear the financial burden for the damage caused by the conflict, rather than expecting contributions from other countries like Canada. He underscored the need for accountability and urged Israel to take responsibility for rebuilding the infrastructure it had destroyed.