Mr. Speaker: A group of 60 delegates, including 6 Canadians, under the auspices of CODEPINK, are on a Solidarity mission in Gaza this week for International Women’s Day. They are visiting refugee camps, hospitals and witnessing the devastating aftermath of 22 days of bombing by Israeli defense forces.

After 20 months of the blockade and the loss of basic necessities of life, Canada must call for an end to the siege of Gaza and help find a way forward to address the root causes of violence and the ongoing occupation of Palestinian land.

Canada must begin by following through on its promise for aid, and exercise its responsibility under international law to condemn the use of force and violence, and begin the process for normalized relations to attain a Palestinian state and peace for the region.

The women and men in the solidarity delegation in Gaza are showing tremendous courage and resolve in their mission.

The Canadian government must do likewise and commit to the rule of law for peace and justice.

 

Libby Davies is the NDP Member of Parliament for Vancouver East. This statement was made in the House of Commons on March 11, 2009.

Libby Davies

Libby served five terms as a Vancouver City Councillor before being elected as Member of Parliament for Vancouver East in 1997. Re-elected for her fourth term in 2008, Libby is the Deputy Leader of...