Islamic Relief Canada Response to UN Vote on Israel's Occupation of Palestinian Territories

Written by Islamic Relief Canada

Published in News

[Islamic Relief Canada welcomes] 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.

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.

All governments, including Canada, must use all their leverage to pressure Israel to end its occupation and respect the ruling of the International Criminal Court of Justice.

Canada must 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.

Islamic Relief Canada

Islamic Relief Canada works with communities to strengthen their resilience to calamities, and we provide vital emergency aid when disasters occur. We help the impoverished access basic services, including education, water and sanitation, as well as healthcare. We provide lasting routes out of poverty through our sustainable development schemes. Our integrated approach to progress is transforming communities worldwide.