Palestinian Youth Movement: Motion Passed In Parliament Moves Us One Step Closer An Arms Embargo on Israel

The original NDP motion which called for an arms embargo on Israel and for Canada to recognize Palestinian statehood was ultimately amended with watered-down language by the Liberal Party before the symbolic, non-binding vote passed 204-117.

There is no doubt that the passing of this motion was a direct result of consistent pressure from the masses of people throughout Canada who have relentlessly mobilized and campaigned to demand justice for the Palestinian people.

While this motion is a step in achieving the end of Canada’s collaboration in Israel’s genocide on Gaza, the Liberal Party amendments made clear what the red lines of Canada’s political class are: Canada must remain able to purchase weapons from the Israeli occupation regime, there will be no increase to the 1,000 cap on temporary visa applications for those fleeing Gaza, there will be no sanctions on Israeli occupation leaders who incite genocide, and there will be no official recognition of the Palestinian state.

The Liberal Party amendments are only a continuation of Canada’s long-standing commitment to uphold and profit from Zionism and the mass displacement, ethnic cleansing, and genocide of the Palestinian people. Despite the masses demanding an end to the genocide against Gaza, Canada has decided to continue providing the Israeli occupation with the political cover and material support it needs to carry out its atrocities. This symbolic non-binding motion must translate to a real end to the flow of weapons used to slaughter our people. We also demand the Canadian government halt its own purchase of weapons from the occupation which ultimately provide funds to the genocidal Israeli regime.

Our struggle does not begin nor end with the passing of this motion. However, this remains a testament to the incredible power that the masses hold and can wield. As Canada continues its collaboration in the genocide of Palestinians, our mobilizations must intensify until Canada ends its complicity in the occupation and until Palestine is free from the river to the sea.