NDP motion calls on Liberal government to act for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel

OTTAWA — On Monday New Democrats are forcing a vote on their motion which outlines nine steps the federal government can take to help end the violence in Gaza and Israel that has cost tens of thousands of lives.

“For nearly six months, the world has been facing an unprecedented crisis in the Middle East. The vicious terrorist attacks on October 7 and the war on Gaza have horrified Canadians across the country,” said Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. “Justin Trudeau could take bold steps for peace and justice, but he doesn’t have the courage. That’s why we brought a motion to force the Liberal government to finally help end this bloodshed. Palestinians and Israelis both deserve to live in peace, with full enjoyment of their human rights and democratic freedoms. Today, we will see where the other parties stand.”

The NDP motion calls on the government to demand an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages; suspend trade in military goods and technology with Israel and increase efforts to stop the illegal trade of arms, including to Hamas; ban extremist settlers from Canada; and recognize the State of Palestine as a step towards a two-state solution, among other actions.

“New Democrats have been calling for a ceasefire for nearly six months – but the horror in Gaza continues, and we are further away from peace and an end to occupation than we have ever been,” said NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Heather McPherson. “At least thirteen thousand Palestinian children have been killed in a war that the International Court of Justice says might be genocide – and Canada does nothing to stop it. The children of Gaza are traumatized and starving to death. These children are not Hamas.”

The motion also asks the government to ensure Canadians still trapped in Gaza can reach safety in Canada and urges the government to lift the arbitrary cap of 1,000 temporary resident visa applications for Palestinians. Media reports say not one person has reached Canada through the government’s special immigration measures announced last December.

“Nearly half a million Canadians have written to us asking for these measures,” said Singh. “Canadians overwhelmingly want their government to act to try to put an end to this catastrophe. They want their loved ones home, and they want peace and justice for Palestinians and Israelis. But to get there, the Liberal government needs to be part of the solution – not the problem.”