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The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
Dear Prime Minister Trudeau,
Re: Ending the Escalating Attacks on Gaza
Unifor is calling upon the Canadian government to condemn the recent Israeli military attacks and air strikes of Palestinians in Gaza, as well as the acts of aggression brought forth by the Israeli government that provoked this violence. This includes the evictions of Palestinians in East Jerusalem and attacks against the Al-Aqsa mosque. We also urge the government to provide urgent humanitarian aid and essential supplies to the people of Gaza as they recover and rebuild all that was destroyed during the bombardment.
In a span of just 11 days, 243 Palestinians were killed in Gaza – including 66 children – over 1,900 injured and over 90,000 displaced from their homes. A dozen Israelis, including two children, have also been killed in the violence.
The military assault on Gaza is the fourth Israeli offensive since 2008. Each time, we have seen a disproportionate level of force used by Israeli forces. This is supported by figures from the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which shows that, since 2008, nearly 5,750 Palestinians have been killed and over 123,000 injured. This is compared to 251 Israelis killed and just over 5,680 injured.
Further, of increasing cause for alarm, has been the recent deliberate targeting of refugee camps, medical clinics and international news media offices by Israeli forces. These threats have also been extended to specific Palestinian families as well, requiring urgent international attention and investigation. These are horrific and egregious crimes against humanity. It is clear that urgent action and intervention must be taken if we are to avoid further bloodshed and devastation.
While the Canadian government had called for a cease-fire on both sides, this is but a temporary solution to on-going conflict in the region. Further, it does little by way of holding Israeli government officials to account for its continued repression of Palestinian people, occupation of Palestinian lands and ongoing violations of international law and human rights abuses.
Some of these major violations include Israeli blockades that have paralyzed the Palestinian economy and restricted the movement of people and goods – resulting in extremely high rates of unemployment, poverty and food insecurity. We have also seen the destruction of homes, businesses, and forced displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank, including the construction of illegal Israeli settlements –despite outcries from the international community. There is also the continued reports of unlawful killings and detentions of Palestinians by Israeli security forces, as well as an overall lack of access to basic necessities and infrastructure, such as healthcare services, medical supplies, clean water, sanitation and electricity.
We, therefore, call on the federal government to take the following immediate actions:
- Denounce the violence perpetuated against the Palestinian people by the Israeli government. Without global political pressure, the occupation, denial of human rights and massive military force against Palestinians will continue.
- Issue a full weapons ban/embargo on Israel. Since 2010, Canada has sent just over $75.4 million in military goods and technology to Israel. We should not be supplying arms that Israeli forces are using to commit human rights atrocities against the Palestinian people. We should further support calls made by several U.S. political leaders who are similarly calling for a full halt of U.S. arms sales to Israel.
- Work with the international community and demand that Israel immediately restore electricity, sanitation and full water access and purification to the people of Gaza. Gaza borders should also be opened to allow for the free flow of medical supplies from international organizations -- including COVID-19 vaccines -- and those requiring medical interventions.
- Work with the international community to demand that Israel end all home confiscations, demolitions and construction of illegal settlements.
Canada is often regarded the world over as a nation of peacekeepers. Now is the time for us to exercise this role and demonstrate strong leadership in ensuring that international laws and human rights are respected. The people of Palestine have an equal right to life, liberty and self- determination as the people of Israel. The cycle of violence must be broken to bring about stability and peace and protect lives and livelihoods of all people – Arab and Israeli alike.
Thank you,
Jerry Dias
National President
