Just as Canada undertakes a review of its own policy toward Israel/Palestine, Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner of Human Rights, and Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General, have issued an urgent call to the whole international community to bring pressure on Israel. Read more.

The Chair and Deputy Chair of a high powered group of former international leaders, called “The Elders” have released a strong warning and call to the world community after a three day visit to Israel/Palestine. During their visit they met a range of Israeli and Palestinian political leaders and civil society organisations, foreign diplomats, and former members of the Israeli military and diplomatic service. 

Among their main findings:

• There is now “one state” between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean sea
• There is growing evidence of apartheid against the Palestinians. They reported that they found “no detailed rebuttal’ to this conclusion
• the declarations and policies of the current Israeli Government – clearly show an “intent to pursue permanent annexation” based on “Jewish supremacy”
• They decried an international “double standard” on violations of international law. The rapid indictment of President Putin by the International Criminal Court (ICC) stands in contrast to the lack of progress on the ICC’s investigation into alleged crimes by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory.
• The rising level of violence in Israel/Palestine is alarming. Violent incidents will only escalate and multiply unless the root causes of the conflict are addressed. 
• Countries should consider “serious enforceable measures” to increase pressure on the Israeli Government to meet its international obligations.  
• Failing to act undermines the credibility of the international community as the guarantor of a rules-based global order

The full press release from The Elders can be found here.

The call by the Elders comes at a time when Canada is taking a new look at its policy toward Israel/Palestine. In May, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs decided to initiate a study to review the issue – the first time a serious relook has taken place in the last two decades.

The Committee should reflect on the findings and recommendations of the Elders in its deliberations. In particular, the Committee should note that the Elders call for “serious enforceable measures” to pressure Israel to meet its international obligations. Until now, Canada has claimed that “quiet diplomacy” is more effective than direct pressure. Unfortunately, there is little evidence to support that claim, and the Elders have urged a change in direction.

“I think the situation has worsened,” Ban said at the conclusion of their visit. “I’m just thinking that, as many people are saying, that this may constitute apartheid.”  “It’s clear that now we have a one-state rule and in fact it’s worse than that under the current government,“ echoed Robinson.

Who are “The Elders”?

The Elders, founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, describes itself as “independent global leaders working together for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet.” It is a select club currently composed 12 retired heads of State or former international leaders.

What can you do?

If you agree that the call from the “Elders” should be considered by the House of Commons Committee reviewing Canada’s stance on Israel Palestine, you could send a short note to the committee chair Ali Elsassi (ali.ehsassi@parl.gc.ca) and to other committe members congratulating them on undertaking the review and recommending they consider the report by the “Elders”. All Committee members are listed here.

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Canada Talks Israel Palestine (CTIP) is the weekly newsletter of Peter Larson, Chair of the Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine (OFIP). It aims to promote a serious discussion in Canada about Canada’s response to the complicated and emotional Israel/Palestine issue with a focus on the truth, clear analysis and human rights for all. Readers with different points of view are invited to make comment.
Want to learn more about us? Go to Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine