Canadian Foreign Minister discusses Gaza conflict in Brussels

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly held a media session on Tuesday in Brussels where she discussed the Israel-Hamas War, a session that was attended by Kurdistan 24 correspondent Barzan Hassan.

Ms. Joly discussed de-escalation efforts by Canada, in addition to the refugee crisis the conflict has caused. 

She then touched upon Iran’s involvement in the conflict, criticizing Tehran for fueling it.

“We're always concerned with the fact that Iran is a threat to the Middle East and that is why our approach when it comes to Iran has been clear: Iran has no place and needs to stay out [of the Gaza conflict].

The foreign minister also underlined that, “Hezbollah and Hamas for us are terrorist organizations supported by Iran.”

Iran has vehemently rejected the idea that it was behind the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, insisting it has no part in the military actions of either Hamas or Hezbollah. 

Nasser Kanani, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, on Oct. 9 said Iran is not involved "in the decision-making of other countries, including Palestine,” while adding "The accusations of an Iranian role are based on political motives.”

Canada has had no formal relations with Iran since 2012 and has supported sanctions against the country in tandem with the US.

Israel launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, resulting in the killing of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping of dozens.

Moreover, Israel has since killed over 15,000 people, including 6,150 children and 4,000 women, according to Hamas-affiliated health authorities in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas on Tuesday agreed to a two-day extension Tuesday to a truce to exchange Israeli hostages to be exchanged with Palestinian prisoners.