Canada's toolkit for peace in the Middle East

As we bear witness to the horrors continuing to unfold in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, MCC joins Canadians in mourning the immense loss of life and calling on world leaders, including the Canadian government, to act. 

Palestinians throughout Gaza are facing severe famine, repeated displacement and bombings even in areas designated as ‘safe’. Palestinians in the West Bank are also facing increasing violence and displacement from Israeli armed forces and extremist settlers. In Lebanon over 1.5 million civilians have been displaced from their homes due to Israeli airstrikes as this conflict expands. 

In the face of these horrific conditions and increasing loss of life, we continue to hope and work for peace and justice for all people in this region. Our partners in Palestine and Lebanon continue to work tirelessly, distributing food and supplies to families in need, despite roadblocks and significant danger, including the targeting of humanitarian aid workers. 

Through your advocacy, we have seen that the Canadian government can take positive and meaningful actions that support an end to violence. These include calling for a ceasefire, providing increased humanitarian aid funding, working across party lines to support a motion calling for an end to Canadian weapons sales to Israel, and suspending 30 existing permits. These are significant actions that show the government’s ability to listen to Canadians and support those most impacted by violence. 

Canada has the tools to do more to address this situation, and now is the time to call on our government to act boldly and take decisive action towards ending this conflict. Some significant tools that Canada can continue to use are: 

• Diplomacy. Canada can use our diplomatic power to negotiate with other countries and work together to pressure Israel to stop blocking humanitarian relief and abide by other international and humanitarian laws, including pressuring Israel to abide by their obligations under the Genocide Convention. We can also pressure the government to uphold diplomatic agreements that include a permanent ceasefire and a release of hostages. 
• End weapons transfers to Israel. Canada, like many other countries, has signed the Arms Trade Treaty, which means we are required to ensure that the weapons we produce and export to other countries are not being used in human rights violations. Canada must act to end all weapons exports to Israel, including those approved before the passing of the Parliamentary motion. 
• Uphold our commitment to accountability and international law. Canada must continue to respect the decisions made by the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court regarding this conflict, and make sure that our actions and policies abide by international law, including taking measures that hold Israel accountable for its actions. 
• Work toward a long term and sustainable solution for peace in Palestine and Israel, including supporting an end to the illegal military occupation and illegal settlements, and supporting conditions that will allow for peace, justice, and human flourishing for all people. 

Join us in asking the Canadian government to act for peace by sending the letter below to the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other leaders. 

Additional Resources: FAQ : MCC and Palestine and Israel | A Cry for Home | A prayer for Palestine and Israel | Open letter to Minister Joly
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