OTTAWA — The Green Party of Canada stands in solidarity with the Sumud Peace flotilla and renews its call for aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Once again we call for immediate and forceful action to halt the escalating catastrophe in Palestine, following Israel and the US defiance of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling. Our commitment to Nonviolence, Human Rights, and International Solidarity compels us to speak clearly.

Free Passage for Humanitarian Aid

The efforts by the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver urgent aid directly to Palestinians facing famine must be allowed to succeed. The interception of these vessels is an unlawful act of obstruction.

Flotilla Intercepted 

As of today, Israeli forces have intercepted an international coalition of human rights activists and aid distributors in international waters. Palestinian politician Hanan Ashrawi condemned the interception as a “criminal act of piracy.”

Legal Obligation

UN experts have repeatedly affirmed that the Flotilla has the “right of free passage in international waters,” and that Israel “must not interfere” with this right. International humanitarian flotillas must not be attacked or obstructed; they must be allowed to freely deliver much-needed aid supplies to Gaza.

Humanitarian Crisis and Accountability Now

Starvation is being used as a weapon of war. Aid must reach the Palestinian people without delay or obstruction. We once again call for a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel, including all arms trade components and jet fuel, to ensure Canada is not complicit in fueling the genocide.

“There is no point in talking about a two-state solution if one of those states has been reduced to rubble and starvation.” Said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada.

Path to Justice and Self-Determination

Peace cannot be imposed; it must be built on mutual respect and justice for all. The two-state solution, with both Israelis and Palestinians living side-by-side in peace and security, remains the only viable path. We welcome the recent decision by Canada and over 150 countries to formally recognize the State of Palestine. We urge the Canadian government to take real action on sanctions, accountability, and the immediate dispatch of a UN Peacekeeping force to assure the protection of all civilians and uphold the ICJ’s ruling.

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