Liberal MPs divided over Canada voting for Israel-Hamas ceasefire at UN

The pre-existing divisions in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal caucus over the federal government's positioning on the Israel-Hamas war were thrust back to the forefront on Wednesday, with MPs expressing differing opinions on Canada voting for 'an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.'

The pre-existing divisions in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal caucus over the federal government's positioning on the Israel-Hamas war were thrust back to the forefront on Wednesday, with MPs expressing differing opinions on Canada voting for "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire."

While some MPs are supportive of Canada's evolving position, others are clearly disappointed and confused by what they see as a disconnect between the wording of the joint Canada-Australia-New Zealand statement issued hours prior, and the vote on the non-binding United Nations resolution that passed Tuesday.

The move has also left Israel's ambassador to Canada expressing his deep disappointment. 

Addressing the tension, Trudeau said in light of the "unfolding humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza, Canada will "continue to call for a return to humanitarian pauses," and "keep participating in urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire."

Facing reporters' questions on his way in to Wednesday's question period, the prime minister went on to state that any halting of hostilities "cannot be one-sided."

"We will continue to use all the tools that we have, and look at tools that others are using as well, to continue to put pressure on Hamas to cease its violence," Trudeau said.

Quebec Liberal MP Anthony Housefather was the most outspoken critic of the government's vote, telling reporters on his way in to the last Liberal caucus meeting on Parliament Hill of the year, that he was "very disappointed" with Canada, in his view, abandoning its support for Israel.