OTTAWA — On the eve of the G7 Summit, the Green Party of Canada is urging the federal government to show leadership in upholding international law, protecting civilians, and advancing accountability for war crimes and violations of international law in the Middle East.
Israel’s airstrikes on Iran represent a reckless escalation that threatens to ignite a wider regional conflict. These attacks come as evidence of genocide in Gaza continues to mount.
“This G7 Summit is a test of Canada’s principles,” said Green Party leader Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands. “Canada must use its voice to insist that all states respect international law, protect civilians, and face accountability for violations. The cost of silence is measured in lives.”
The Green Party is also calling on the federal government to defend the rights of more than 40 Canadian citizens currently detained in Egypt. The Canadians, who travelled to participate in the Global March to Gaza, have had their passports confiscated by Egyptian authorities.
“The detention of Canadian citizens peacefully standing for human rights is unacceptable,” said May. “Canada must press for their release.”
The Green Party endorses the recent open letter from 412 Canadian legal and human rights experts, which urges Canada to take concrete action at the G7 to address the genocide in Gaza, including through sanctions, international accountability, and an immediate arms embargo.
“At this critical moment, Canada must lead with courage and moral clarity,” said May. “International law must not be applied selectively. Civilians in Gaza, in Iran, in Israel, and across the region deserve the equal protection of that law.”
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For more information or to arrange an interview:
Laurie MacMillan
Communications Director
Green Party of Canada