by Khaled Mouammar, longtime Palestinian activist in Toronto
The Right Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister for Foreign Affairs
I am writing this email to express my deep concern about Israel’s planned annexation of the Jordan Valley in the West Bank (see map above).
This land is rich agricultural West Bank land. If annexation occurs it would completely destroy the possibility of the two-state solution contrary to Canada’s long-standing policy. Unilateral annexation would be illegal under international law and would not respect or recognize the international consensus on the 1967 borders.
The European Union and several European states, including France, the United Kingdom and Germany reiterated their opposition to the Israeli government’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank. Josep Borrell, European Union Minister for Foreign Affairs said the EU would use “all our diplomatic capacities” to stop Israel’s incoming government from annexing the West Bank.
In 2016 Canada condemned Russia’s annexation of Crimea. In this situation I see exact parallels and Canada must apply the same principles. Canada must come out with a strong response and take firm actions such as sanctions, if and when Israel proceeds.
Israelis and Palestinians want an end to the systemic discrimination and injustice and to live in peace in the Holy Land. Canada cannot be absent during this time and must not allow Israel to violate international law with impunity.
Canada must join its international partners and put out a strong statement opposed to this annexation and its violation of international law, stressing that it opposes Israel’s attempts to reinforce and entrench its apartheid system in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Sincerely,
Khaled Mouammar,
Richmond Hill, ON