Foreign Affairs committee  I can't give you specific information about that, but we can provide you with a more detailed response later, if that's okay.

Foreign Affairs committee  First of all, what we have is an export control regime that takes into consideration the human rights situation in any given country. That's a major factor in decisions about granting export permits, especially for dual-use technologies. That work is done ahead of time. We also have a framework agreement with the Government of Israel that covers everything related to co‑operation for defence.

Foreign Affairs committee  Every application is assessed on a case‑by‑case basis. Obviously, if products have already been sold and delivered, we can't re‑assess that after the fact. However, we can keep it in mind when we're looking at lessons learned. What I can say is that every application is scrutinized in accordance with the principles I just described.

Foreign Affairs committee  We do have an international law unit, and that's the type of evaluation it provides. To be perfectly clear, the acts you described were abominable, outrageous and horrific. My comment—

Foreign Affairs committee  To my knowledge, there have been none.

Foreign Affairs committee  As I said to your colleague a minute ago, every request for an export permit for military or dual use is assessed on its own merits and on a case-by-case basis.

Foreign Affairs committee  Yes, the same answer would apply. That's not to avoid.... It really is genuine. It's not an across-the-board review. Every request would be reassessed on its own merit, including regarding the end user.

Foreign Affairs committee  Thank you. Of course, it is our job as officials to try to prepare for the future. We know right now that there is a phenomenal trust deficit between Palestinians and Israelis, between those warring factions. To conceive of a peace plan is almost unthinkable for the parties on the ground.

Foreign Affairs committee  I'd like to comment on how we decide which way to vote. Votes on the situation in the Palestinian territories happen every year. There are usually 14 to 18 of them in any given year. Certain principles underlie our approach to this issue. One of those principles is that the text of the resolution must comply with international law.

Foreign Affairs committee  Certainly. Thank you. May I begin by thanking you for the kind words? We will pass those on to our colleagues at the front lines, who have also been experiencing some trauma. These words are very much appreciated. In terms of what Canada has done so far, the baseline development assistance provided to Palestinian populations in Gaza, the West Bank and adjoining regions is in the vicinity of $55 million per year.

Foreign Affairs committee  First of all, I am not a lawyer and I can't give you a legal interpretation of this. Yes, we agree with you that the interpretation that hostage-taking is—

Foreign Affairs committee  There's no conclusion yet. No, sir. Again, this is an interpretation—

Foreign Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, in order to make that determination, evidence needs to be collected. Proper legal experts need to analyze that evidence and submit it to law enforcement, to legal experts. The premise is a just one—you're absolutely right—but it would be premature from a legal perspective to pronounce on an outcome of something that merits due legal process.

Foreign Affairs committee  My answer would be the same, sir. We need to collect evidence, and it would be irresponsible to—

Foreign Affairs committee  All allegations of this type would be looked into. I'm not familiar with this particular one, but these are very serious allegations. As I said—