Dear Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Joly,
I am writing on behalf of the Council of Canadians, including 150,000 supporters and 45 chapters across the country, to urge your government to take immediate measures to end the devastation in the Gaza strip. In what is becoming a broader regional war, these actions are essential steps to ensure Canada complies with the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling that defined this catastrophe as Israel’s plausible genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
One year ago, we wrote to you out of tremendous concern for those killed on October 7, 2023 and every day since. To date, at least 42,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed, including over 16,000 children. Nearly 1,200 Israelis were killed in the massacre carried out by Hamas and over 100 of the 200 hostages are still being held. We unequivocally condemn the targeting of civilians and urge you to immediately take the following steps, especially as we witness the war expanding throughout the region.
Your government must:
- actively work for an immediate ceasefire and a negotiated release of all hostages;
- immediately implement a two-way arms embargo on Israel, including suspending all arms exports to Israel, which in 2022 were valued at more than $21 million, and;
- support an end to the longstanding blockade of Gaza and occupation of Palestinians by the Israeli government.
Canada has the power and leverage – and indeed a moral and legal obligation – to help bring an immediate end to the violence and destruction inflicted on Palestinians and expanding throughout the region. Your government’s inaction places Canada at odds with the ICJ and the majority of Western governments, including the European Union, Norway, New Zealand, Slovenia, Spain, Ireland, and Belgium.
There can be no military solution to this crisis. The humanitarian crisis, ICJ ruling, and spreading conflict require immediate action to prevent further violence. Only a durable ceasefire and a full two-way arms embargo can prevent further loss of life and create the conditions for a lasting and just peace.
Sincerely,
Christina Warner
Executive Director
The Council of Canadians