A global call to sanction Israel for its war crimes is now having echoes among former Canadian diplomats. 190 former Heads of Mission (Ambassadors and High Commissioners) have sent a public letter to Prime Minister Carney. (Photo credit CJPME) Read the letter.

The letter recommends that Canada adopt strong sanctions, many of which have been demanded by Canadian organizations supporting Palestinian human rights.

• Review the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) focussing on Rules of Origin
• Give notion to terminate the Canada-Israel Strategic Partnership unless Israel backs off on plans to annex the West Bank
• Expand economic and travel sanctions against Israeli officials who publicly support ethnic cleansing;
• Legal action against Canadian companies that bid on or participate in construction projects in the West Bank;
• Support decisions and actions taken by the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice;
• Strengthen bilateral relations with the State of Palestine
• Address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza with a requirement to report semi-annually to Parliament on the situation;
• Accelerate efforts by the Canada Revenue Agency to revoke the charitable status of all entities facilitating recruitment or funding for the Israel Defence Forces;
• Support non-governmental organizations providing protective accompaniment and legal advocacy to Palestinians
• Advocate lifting Israeli restrictions on Non-Governmental Organizations and journalists in Gaza to ensure effective aid delivery and independent reporting.

The full letter, along with the list of signatories can be found HERE.

Canada Talks Israel Palestine is the biweekly newsletter of the Ottawa Forum on Israel/Palestine (OFIP). It aims to promote a serious discussion ababout the Israel/Palestine issue from a Canadian perspective. Readers are invited to make comment. To get on our regular mailing list, or for more information write: ofip.chair@gmail.com