Israel and Palestine

The latest violence in the Middle East is sad indeed. 65 people including 16 children in Gaza died by Wednesday night. The escalating violence has many here in Canada worried about friends and family in Gaza and Israel. The resulting rhetoric over who acted first or who supports whom or who is anti this or that makes our head spin. As always, it is clear that there is a lack of good leadership on all sides. Violence is easy, sitting down and talking takes real effort.

Canada has very little influence in the region, however, it will take outside influence to force both sides to the table. Canada does sell arms to Israel and so Jagmeet Singh has called on Canada to stop selling military exports to Israel, “to stop arming one side of the conflict.” This is in line with NDP party policy endorsed at convention in April. The same policy also calls for Canada to block trade with Israeli settlements in occupied territories.

So watch out for the rhetoric. The NDP is NOT calling for a cessation of trade with Israel. Just shut the weapons tap. The NDP is NOT calling for a cessation of trade with Israel. Just stop trading with settlements that occupy land that has not been ceded to Israel. The NDP is not anti this or that. We stand for peace so that innocent children need not fear for their lives. We want leaders to use their big words, not big guns.

NDP Petition to prioritize peace by stopping weapon sales to Israel until illegal occupation ends: 

View what we stand for at the Milton NDP Blog: 

Support to our local riding & receive a tax credit return for your contribution! 

#miltonontario #NDP #ondp #Palestine #Israel #peace #FreeGaza #FreePalestine #IsraeliOccupation

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