MP Salma Zahid Statement on International Court of Justice Ruling on Israel's Occupation of Palestine

This ruling is consistent with Canada’s long-standing foreign policy which has declared Israeli settlements illegal and stated that a two-state solution is the only path forward. Given this ruling, and the recent vote by the Israeli Knesset rejecting a two-state solution and the very right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own, I call on Canada to take real, meaningful and decisive action by:

• Stating in clear and unambiguous terms its unequivocal endorsement and support of the ICJ advisory ruling;
• Call on Israel to end its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory; and
• Take clear action, looking at all available diplomatic options, if Israel does not meaningfully address these issues.

When I visited the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem in January, I saw firsthand many of the issues raised by the courts. Illegal Israeli settlements built on hilltops on Palestinian territory designed to control surrounding territory and cut off Palestinian villages, highways that only Israelis are allowed to use, checkpoints designed to harass Palestinians and prevent them from going about their daily lives. How access to water and other resources is restricted only to Palestinians. How they face daily harassment and humiliation by occupying Israeli forces.

This is all clear evidence of Israeli government policy, confirmed by the recent Knesset vote, designed to erase the human rights of the Palestinian people, deny their right to self-determination, and make a free and democratic Palestinian state impossible.

The status quo is not acceptable. Perpetual occupation, dehumanization and subjugation is not acceptable. Canada must stand for human rights, demand an end to the illegal Israeli occupation and put in strong measures to achieve this goal.