NDP statement in reaction to the latest opinion issued by the ICJ

NDP critic for Foreign Affairs Heather McPherson (Edmonton Strathcona) issued the following statement:

“Last week, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) released a crucial opinion regarding the actions of the State of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This ICJ call is also a signal to Canada that more needs to be done to comply with international law and deliver peace and justice for Palestinians and Israelis.

This ICJ opinion says that Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful, and that it must cease immediately all new settlement activities, and to evacuate all settlers from the territory. It also indicates that all states must not recognize the situation stemming from Israel’s illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territory—this includes not participating in maintaining this occupation with aid or assistance.

In March, the House of Commons adopted our NDP motion calling on the government to recognize Palestinian rights, end arms sales to Israel, support international justice regardless of the actors, and work for a ceasefire and a lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis.

It has now been more than 4 months since Prime Minister Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Joly voted for that NDP motion—but they have failed to live up to their commitment.

In the wake of this latest ICJ opinion, New Democrats reiterate our calls on the Liberals to:

• Sanction extremist settlers and the Netanyahu war cabinet;
• Impose a 2-way arms embargo on Israel and issue a Notice to Exporters to officially end arms transfers to Israel;
• Make arms sales clear and transparent and provide documents on Canada’s arms transfers to Israel;
• increase efforts to stop the illegal trade of arms, including to Hamas;
• Express full support for the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court;
• Pressure the Israeli government to stop its plan to annex Palestinian territory in violation of international law;
• End all trade and economic cooperation with illegal settlements in Palestine;
• Condemn the construction of illegal settlements and demolitions of Palestinian homes and infrastructure in the West Bank;
• Recognize the State of Palestine.

The Liberal government must act on these calls now to adhere to international law, protect innocent civilians, and ensure that Canada complies with the ICJ opinion.

New Democrats urge the Liberals to act immediately and restore Canada’s rightful place in the world as a defender of international justice and peace for everyone.”