Canada must play an active role in helping build a just and sustainable solution.
The NDP is deeply troubled by the marked escalation of violence in Gaza and in occupied East Jerusalem.
We offer our deepest condolences to all families of Palestinians and Israelis who lost their lives - many of them killed by indiscriminate bombings. Civilians’ lives must be protected and all violence, incitement to violence and provocations must be condemned.
When there is escalation, it is always civilians that end up paying the ultimate price or living in fear. Urgent de-escalation is needed to prevent further loss of life. Both Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live safely and in security.
Canada must also play a stronger role in pushing for de-escalation and for a just and peaceful resolution.
The Liberal government’s record on this issue is more than disappointing: it flies in the face of their claim to stand up for human rights and international law.
New Democrats believe in working with partners for peace in Israel and Palestine; respecting UN resolutions and international law; supporting peaceful co-existence in viable, independent states with agreed-upon borders; an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian land; and an end to violence targeting civilians.
New Democrats are asking the Government of Canada to:
respond to reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Israeli human rights NGOs and the United Nations and accept their recommendations to states
refer the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh to the International Criminal Court
increase pressure on the Israeli government to stop its plan to annex Palestinian territory in violation of international law
condemn the construction of illegal settlements, demolitions of Palestinian homes in the West Bank, and evictions from East Jerusalem, including Sheikh Jarrah
call on Israel to end forcible displacement of villagers in Masafer Yatta
increase funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) which supports Palestinian refugees
condemn Israel’s undemocratic nation-state law
condemn the Israeli government’s attacks on civil society in Israel and Palestine, including the recent designation of six Palestinian human rights groups as “terrorist”
condemn the ongoing blockade of Gaza and increase Canadian humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza
condemn military detention of Palestinian children, and reaffirm support for the Convention on the Rights of the Child
vote for Palestinian human rights at the United Nations
end all trade and economic cooperation with illegal settlements in Israel-Palestine
suspend the bilateral trade of all arms and related materials with the State of Israel until Palestinian rights are upheld