We welcome today's loud and clear message from the UN General Assembly that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful and must end within 12 months. An overwhelming majority of 124 countries voted in favour of the resolution, 43 abstained and only 14 voted against.
We are deeply disappointed that Canada abstained from the vote. The Israeli occupation denies Palestinians their fundamental human rights, undermines their dignity and entrenches discrimination and poverty. The lack of meaningful intervention only prolongs the suffering of innocent civilians and undermines efforts to achieve lasting peace.
Today's vote is an important statement but it will be meaningless unless it’s now accompanied by a significant increase in international pressure to ensure that Israel complies with it. Regardless of how they voted today, all governments — including Canada — must use all their leverage to pressure Israel to end its occupation and respect the ruling of the International Court of Justice.
Now is the time for Canada to show moral leadership and recognize the gravity of the situation by supporting international law and international justice mechanisms and pushing for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access. We urge the Government of Canada to unequivocally demand that Israel comply with international law and enforce a complete arms embargo. This includes the immediate cancellation of all existing arms export permits to Israel. Anything less would be a failure to uphold Canada’s commitment to justice and the protection of human rights.