HAMILTON, Canada 

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand reaffirmed her country’s commitment to a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians on Monday, calling it essential for long-term stability and peace in the Middle East.

"The Palestinian question is at the heart of any hope for long-term stability in the Middle East," Anand said during a high-level UN conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question.

"Despite the complexity of the situation, our collective presence here today reflects strong international support for a negotiated solution, one that ensures Palestinian self-determination and Israeli security," she added.

Anand reiterated Canada's backing of Palestinian statehood, saying that "Canada remains firmly committed to a two-state solution – an independent, viable and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with Israel in peace and security."

She also stressed the importance of reforms within the Palestinian Authority, particularly in preparation for governing both the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

"Crucially important is the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to undertake the comprehensive reforms necessary to govern Gaza and the West Bank," she said.

On the "disastrous" situation in Gaza, Anand condemned what she described as "unacceptable" humanitarian suffering.

"Numerous Palestinians are dying from hunger. They're killed as they're trying to obtain food and water, or during a military operation, which resulted in numerous victims. Those who survive are exposed to avoidable disease and death," she said.

Denouncing illegal Israeli settlement expansion and violence, Anand stressed that "we condemn the inhumane killing of civilians, including children. We condemn the ongoing expansion of settlements and settler violence in the West Bank, and we condemn the forced displacement of the Palestinian population."

"The actions outlined just now are all violations of international humanitarian law," she added.

Canada further announced $40 million in new aid, $10 million to support Palestinian Authority reforms and $30 million to pre-position humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza.

"Canada sees this conference as a reaffirmation of principles and a call to action," Anand said, adding that "a lasting political solution requires a permanent ceasefire to begin the hard work of rebuilding institutions, restoring trust and the conditions for a viable two-state solution."