Canada should call for cease fire
Editor:
When it comes to the plight of the Palestinian people, our country’s leaders whether they be Liberal or Conservative, have turned a blind eye to what the International Court of Justice has determined is plausibly a genocide. When it came to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Canada was quick to condemn this action, place sanctions against Russia and take in Ukrainian refugees. On the other hand the atrocities being committed by the Israeli government go unpunished. If anything, Canada has punished Palestinian civilians by cutting off desperately needed funding to UNRWA.
The killing of innocent civilians on Oct. 7 by Hamas, is the reason given by Israel for the relentless bombing of a trapped civilian population, 50 per cent of which are children. One horrendous crime does not justify another. Yes, Israel has the right to defend itself on its own territory. As soon as Israel crossed into Gaza they were breaching international law. The Palestinians under the UN charter have the right to resist their occupation, and Israel has the responsibility as an occupier to look after the welfare of Palestinians.
It seems like Canada wants to pick and choose when international law should apply. The hypocrisy is being exposed to the world. South Africa took the brave stance in challenging Israel’s actions and taking them to the International Court of Justice. With their history it is no surprise. What better nation to understand apartheid and repression?
Israel has made it clear that they will not abide by the two state solution which was agreed to in the Oslo Accords some 30 years ago. At the time, Palestinians agreed to relinquish 80 per cent of their land in historic Palestine to the State of Israel with the promise of having their own state. In the intervening years, Israel has built illegal settlements on Palestinian land in the West Bank, a violation of international law under the UN Charter, at the same time bull-dozing houses of Palestinians and displacing families. Millions of Palestinians have lived as refugees for three generations. Gaza itself has been under siege for almost two decades.
Israel believes that it can wipe out Hamas if it continues its levelling of Gaza. In reality, they have just increased recruitment. More than 25,000 children have lost one or both parents. Surely, they will not look kindly towards the country that has caused them so much pain.
Call for a ceasefire. The siege of Gaza must end. The two-state solution must be implemented. The Palestinians, along with Israelis have a right to exist. Our country should be helping to make this happen. We used to pride ourselves on being a peacekeeping nation. What has changed?
I would encourage everyone to contact their local MP for Dufferin-Caledon Kyle Seeback or MP for Simcoe- Grey Terry Dowdall, and please give generously to a credible charity such as The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
Karin Jordan,
Mulmur.
