Today, I was pleased to join an "intergenerational community in care, connection and collective action” which came together in Port Alberni to respond to the call from the Palestinian Youth Movement for a global day of action. In Parliament, I stand with my NDP colleagues in their continued call for Canada to work for peace for Palestinians and Israelis. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 30,000 with 70% of the victims women and children. The Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7 killed almost 1,200 people and over 100 hostages remain in Hamas captivity.
Millions of residents of Gaza are displaced and at risk of starvation, death and disease and the U.N. reports over 70% of civilian infrastructure including homes, hospitals, schools, water and sanitation facilities have been destroyed or severely damaged by military attacks. Israelis are still at risk of attacks by Iran-backed terrorist groups including Hamas and Hezbollah. The NDP continues to call for: an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages; suspension of all trade in military goods and technology with Israel and increased efforts to stop the illegal trade in arms, including to Hamas. Among other key measures, we also call for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza. The decades-long occupation of Palestinian territories must end and work must progress towards a two-state solution. Go here to see the full NDP motion calling on Canada to act to end the horror in Gaza: https://bit.ly/4bYtrvs