Sunday January 28, 2024
International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. Canada is following the U.S. in suspending funding for the United Nations agency that supports Palestinians over allegations some of the agency's staff played a role in the brutal attack Hamas committed in Israel last fall. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle
Ottawa (HOL) - In a deeply personal and public rebuke, relatives of Ahmed Hussen, the Canadian Minister of International Development, have expressed grave disappointment in his handling of the Palestinian issue. The letter, issued by the Jama-Khalaf-Farah family, resonates with a sense of betrayal, particularly poignant given the Somali-Canadian community's overwhelming support for Palestine and Minister Hussen's own refugee background.
"Our hearts were broken at your lacklustre words when referring to a historically oppressed people," the letter states, criticizing the Minister's response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as insufficient and lacking in conviction. They accuse him of failing to "speak up against oppression on a global scale," emphasizing the disparity between his statements on Ukraine and Palestine. "With Ukraine, you said, 'Canada stands united with Ukraine and all those around the world, fighting for democracy, human rights, and justice,' but when it comes to the struggle of Palestinian people, you fell flat."
Further, the letter questions Hussen's moral integrity and commitment to his roots, challenging his stance on the long-standing oppression of Palestinians: "As a refugee, how can you ignore the ethnic cleansing Palestinians have suffered for over 75 years? Why have you let your position of power stop you from using clear language to stand with the oppressed people caged in a concentration camp being carpet bombed daily?"
This rebuke coincides with Canada's decision to temporarily halt funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), following accusations by Israel's army and intelligence of the agency's staff involvement in attacks. These allegations were made amidst ongoing Israeli claims of UNRWA inciting anti-Israel sentiment, which the agency denies.
UNRWA shelters have also been repeatedly targeted by Israeli missiles during the war, despite calls for safe corridors for humanitarian aid. At least 152 UNRWA staffers have been killed in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began, according to the agency.
Minister Hussen addressed the funding suspension in a statement, indicating his conversation with UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini about these severe allegations involving agency staff in the October 7, 2023, attacks.
"As UNRWA undertakes this investigation, Canada will not reduce its support to the people of Gaza. Canada will continue to work with other partners to provide life-saving assistance to civilians in Gaza."
Canada joined the U.S., U.K., and seven countries pausing funding to UNRWA amid allegations that 12 employees were part of the October 7 attack. The allegations were made against 12 employees, according to the U.S. State Department. UNRWA has over 30,000 employees, most of them Palestine refugees and a small number of international staff, in two headquarters offices in Gaza and Amman.
Interestingly, the allegations against UNRWA staff surfaced coincidentally on the same day the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a ruling regarding the situation in Gaza. The ICJ called on Israel to take measures to prevent acts that could amount to genocide against Palestinians but stopped short of explicitly demanding a ceasefire. This timing has not gone unnoticed and adds to the skepticism and hurt felt within the Somali-Canadian community.
The open letter calls for a reevaluation of Canada's stance, urging Minister Hussen to recognize the gravity of the situation and to take a firm stance against what they describe as an ongoing genocide: "Announcing Canada's aid commitments without addressing the root cause of this genocide does nothing to recognize the dignity and humanity of Palestinian people."
Established in 1949 following the first Arab-Israeli war, the agency provides services including schooling, primary healthcare and humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
READ THE FULL LETTER BELOW
