Canada must stop supporting Israel in illegal settlement of Palestinian land

CALGARY—Many people around the world are shocked by the violence and destruction perpetrated by illegal Israeli settlers in the West Bank town of Hawara in recent weeks. Such illegal actions inside Palestinian territory are not unprecedented. Since 1967, when Israel first invaded and occupied the West Bank, its occupation has resulted in systematic human rights violations against Palestinians. However, the situation has worsened in recent months as Israeli forces have increased their military presence in the area and expanded settlements. Mukarram Zaidi. Handout photograph In Hawara, at least 70 Palestinian homes were attacked, and more than 100 cars were torched. Almost 350 Palestinians were injured, and one Palestinian was murdered. Four days prior, 11 Palestinians, including two children, were killed and more than 100 were injured in the West Bank City of Nablus due to similar Israeli settler attacks. The number of lives lost in these tragedies highlights the disastrous consequences illegal settlements have on Palestinian civilians who are displaced from their homes. The Government of Canada has made mild attempts to address Israel's actions. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly issued a statement condemning settlement expansion as “unilateral actions” that “jeopardize peace.” While this language may signal disapproval on paper, it lacks any tangible action or follow-up. Canada has repeatedly failed to condemn Israeli actions that are illegal under international law. Canada's failure to take a firm stance and actively advocate for peace sends a message that it is content with the status quo, which further entrenches the conflict in Israel-Palestine. In 2023, 65 Palestinians—including 13 children—were killed and 500 others injured by Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and illegal settlers. The violence has only exacerbated with the approval of more than 7,000 new settlement homes on Palestinian lands. These illegal settlements are protected by the IDF and settlers are allowed to carry weapons, leading to an increase in violent attacks against Palestinians. Many Israeli politicians have expressed extreme views contributing to the incredibly tense and violent situation in Israel. The U.S. State Department has called Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's call for the Palestinian village of Hawara to be wiped out by the Israeli government as "irresponsible, repugnant and disgusting." But there is growing opposition in Israel to the harsh treatment of Palestinians. Prominent figures such as former prime minister Ehud Barak have spoken out against the government's repressive actions. He has stated that "this government shows signs of fascism." The mayor of Tel Aviv has expressed the country is heading towards becoming a fascist theocracy. Israeli newspaper Haaretz published the headline “Israel Is Sleepwalking Into Jewish Fascism.” The international community has been vocal in their condemnation of Israel's actions. A United Nations draft resolution has been tabled that demands a halt to Israeli settlements and the UN has spoken out against ongoing violence. European states have condemned Israel's plan to build more housing in the West Bank. In Canada, the National Canadian Council of Muslims stated that: “It is important that Canada has taken a position standing against what amounts to a war crime by an Israeli minister. As a first step, we believe that Canada must come into alignment with the EU on the labelling of illegal settlement goods.” For far too long, Canada's position on Israel has been one of inaction and empty rhetoric. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau must call for accountability from the state of Israel, in line with the positions held by many countries around the world. This would be a bold move, but an important one to demonstrate Canada's commitment to upholding international law and justice. It is essential that Trudeau make it clear that Canada will not tolerate human rights abuses regardless of who is responsible. A strong stance against injustice can help to ensure peace and security for all people in the region. Mukarram Zaidi serves as the chair of Calgary-based Think for Actions, the chair of Canadian Muslim Research Think Tank, and the general secretary for Calgarians Against Racism, Violence and Hate. Zaidi is a medical doctor who practises family medicine in Calgary. The Hill Times

Canada must stop supporting Israel in illegal settlement of Palestinian land

It is essential that Justin Trudeau make it clear that Canada will not tolerate human rights abuses regardless of who is responsible. A strong stance against injustice can help to ensure peace and security for all people in the region, writes Mukarram Zaidi.

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Canada must stop supporting Israel in illegal settlement of Palestinian land

It is essential that Justin Trudeau make it clear that Canada will not tolerate human rights abuses regardless of who is responsible. A strong stance against injustice can help to ensure peace and security for all people in the region, writes Mukarram Zaidi.

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