NDP statement on International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

NDP critic for Foreign Affairs MP Heather McPherson issued the following statement:

On this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, New Democrats reaffirm our unwavering support for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace that would uphold the rights and dignity of all Palestinians.

The Palestinian people have endured decades of occupation, human rights violations and extremist violence. Over the past fourteen months, Netanyahu’s horrendous genocide of Gaza has killed tens of thousands of innocent people, including thousands of children and infants, erased over a thousand families from the civil registry, and made Gaza home to largest number of amputee children in modern history.

But through this horror we witness the generous spirit of the Palestinian people who continue to take care of each other, tend to their olive trees, and advocate for peace. As New Democrats we know that hope can be found in working for justice through the international court system and in the voices and actions of so many around the world, including those in Palestine and in Israel, who say “Not in our name”.

Canada cannot pick and choose whose human rights matter. Canada must support all ICC warrants and all ICJ opinions and support all victims, regardless of the perpetrator. We continue to call on the Canadian government to recognize the State of Palestine, impose sanctions on Israeli leaders responsible for the genocide in Gaza and annexation in the West Bank, and impose a full and immediate arms embargo on Israel. Delays by the Liberal government have devastated Canadians desperate to get their family members to safety.

Canadians are calling for an end to the genocide and an end to the occupation, and for a real peace process that will permit Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and with full respect for their human rights. We reiterate our call for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

Today and every day, New Democrats honour the resiliency and strength of the Palestinian people.