The Canada-Israel Committee Calls for Accountability in Canadian Aid to Palestinians

For Immediate Release

July 23, 2007

Responding to today's announcement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter MacKay that Canada will contribute $8 million dollars to the Temporary International Mechanism that was set up by the Quartet in June of 2006, CIC Chair Moshe Ronen today called for Canada to ensure full accountability and transparency in the use of international support.

The International Mechanism was created to facilitate what the United Nations termed a "needs-based assistance directly to the Palestinian people, including essential equipment, supplies, and support for health services, support for the uninterrupted supply of fuel and utilities, and basic needs allowances to poor Palestinians."

"We support Canada engaging in the region and supporting the stability of a moderate and accountable Palestinian leadership that can serve as a credible partner for Israel," said Ronen.

"But money alone will not address the issue," Ronen continued. "We expect that Canada will establish benchmarks for the necessary reforms the PA must undertake to retain the confidence of Canada."

With respect specifically to the $1 million dollars that are to be given to provide humanitarian support to the Palestinians in Gaza, Mr. Ronen said. "The CIC commends the Canadian government for taking all necessary precautions to ensure that none of this support is accessed by Hamas."

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For further information:
Shimon Fogel, CEO
Canada-Israel Committee
613-762-3657