Over the past 21 days 1,133 Palestinians have been killed by Israel, including 346 children and 105 women. 5,200 have been injured. As of this morning, these are the latest reported casualties. I add my voice to the many thousands to speak out in condemnation at the on-going assault by Israel on Gaza.

The latest attack, this time on the UN Headquarters in Gaza, on the hospitals and medical centres, is outrageous. The use of white phosphorus – a chemical weapon – against innocent civilians, is also indefensible and must be condemned.

It must be recognized that the on-going illegal occupation of Palestinian territories and the now two-year old blockade is a root cause of the current conflict and must cease. I have previously written to Prime Minister Harper calling on the Canadian government to do everything in its power to seek a diplomatic and political solution: /blog/2009/01/07/libbys-letter-prime-minister-gaza

Canada should join other international leaders in condemning this aggression, which is contrary to international law, and is, as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stated yesterday, “indefensible”. I urge all Parliamentarians to speak out for an immediate ceasefire, for immediate humanitarian assistance, and an end to the blockade.

In May 2002, I was part of a Parliamentary delegation that visited the Occupied Territories. It was a life-changing experience as I witnessed the daily impact of checkpoints, restricted access, loss of human rights and dignity. We met with many Palestinians and Israelis who work together to end the Occupation and the illegal settlements. What I learned during that visit was my responsibility as a Member of Parliament to speak out in defense of human rights and in favour of a just settlement for Palestinians. I am an active and founding member of the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Association and will continue to work within my party, within Parliament, and in the community on this issue.

Libby

A few resources:

http://rabble.ca/news/white-phosphorous-and-so-israeli-argument-goes http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1054578.html http://www.icahd.org/eng/news.asp?menu=5&submenu=1&item=655

Having just returned to Canada, I have been watching the developments in Gaza.

I am member of the Canada Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Association and have worked with other MPs to pressure for peace and justice for Palestinians, by pressuring our Canadian government to show leadership in implementing UN resolutions regarding Palestine, and supporting the legitimate legal, political, and social demands of the Palestinian people.

This latest assault on Gaza by Israel is outrageous and the loss of civilian life and further destruction of civil society and infrastructure must be condemned and stopped.

I believe very strongly that such action by the IDF will not resolve long standing problems and will only further incite violence and instability. I hope that all Members of Parliament will speak out and make it clear that the Canadian Government must support a cease fire to prevent further loss of life. The cease fire must include Hamas and the firing of its rockets into Israel.

We must also demand that Israel allow the media access to Gaza to report on what is taking place. All efforts must be dedicated to restoring the basic necessities of life, and supporting Palestinians in recovering from the ongoing destruction of Gaza. Further, the International Community must resolve to support all peace efforts aimed at a just settlement, which must include the establishment of a viable, sovereign Palestinian state.