OTTAWA, Ont. - Canada has clarified its stance on a "humanitarian truce" in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, just three days after abstaining from a U.N. resolution calling for the same. This shift in position has raised concerns about foreign policy coherence from the Canadian government.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly addressed the issue on Monday during a speech aimed at defining Canadian foreign policy in a time of geopolitical crises. Joly emphasized the urgent need for an agreement between all parties involved to ensure the safe evacuation of foreign nationals, including Canadians, the release of hostages, and the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had declared on Saturday that "the second stage of the war" had begun, raising expectations of further escalation in violence within Gaza.

On Friday, the United Nations adopted a resolution calling for the protection of civilians while upholding "legal and humanitarian obligations" during this crisis. While fourteen countries, including Israel and the United States, voted against the resolution, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom chose to abstain. France voted in favor of the resolution.

Canada attempted to amend the U.N. resolution to explicitly condemn "the terrorist attacks by Hamas," but not the ongoing violence in Gaza. However, this amendment was unsuccessful.

In an effort to clarify Canada's position, a senior government official stated that "truce" conveys the same meaning as "pauses" and that Ottawa's stance remains unchanged. Nonetheless, Minister Joly has started using the term "truce" instead of "humanitarian pauses" to address confusion among the public. Going forward, both terms may be used interchangeably.

The blockade imposed by Israel in response to Hamas' attacks in early October has severely restricted the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Reports from Gaza's health ministry reveal that Israeli airstrikes since the declaration of war by Netanyahu have resulted in the deaths of at least 8,000 Palestinians.

Global Affairs Canada has confirmed that it is currently in contact with 460 Canadians, permanent residents, and their family members in Gaza who have sought assistance from the Canadian government.

Canada's steadfast support for Israel and its reluctance to call for an immediate ceasefire has come under fire from advocacy groups. There are also members within Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal caucus who are urging him to support a ceasefire.

The hesitance of the Canadian government to condemn Israel for the violence and civilian deaths in Gaza has caused concern among members of the diaspora community.

In her speech, Minister Joly pledged to engage more actively with new partners and announced that Canadian foreign policy would be guided by a vigorous defense of sovereignty and "pragmatic diplomacy" to resolve international conflicts.

Minister Joly blamed Russia's war in Ukraine for an increase in gas and grocery prices in Canada. She also highlighted the limited successes in international engagement during her two-year tenure as the foreign minister, with the involvement in Ukraine being a notable exception.

Prime Minister Trudeau previously cited "credible allegations" in suggesting the involvement of Indian government agents in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. This has complicated Canadian diplomats' dealings with nations seeking closer ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Canada's interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, as discussed with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, suggests ongoing talks about Canadian membership in President Joe Biden's trade club.

As the conflict continues, Canada's call for a "humanitarian truce" highlights its evolving approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict and its efforts to create a safer and more stable environment for all parties involved.