This is the first of two letters I have recently had published in the Hamilton Spectator. It was not in the printed edition, but simply appeared online. That was just over a week ago.
Actions, not just words, are needed
On May 19, Prime Minister Mark Carney and the leaders of the U.K. and France issued a joint statement on Gaza and the West Bank. It called on Israel to end its renewed military offensive, to halt the illegal settlements on the West Bank, and to stop restricting humanitarian aid into Gaza. The leaders promised they would not hesitate to take “concrete actions” if Israel did not comply.
Since then, Israel has continued its military offensive, killing hundreds of women and children. It has announced the establishment of another 22 settlements on the West Bank. Only minimal aid has been delivered to Gazans. The situation is urgent, yet there is still time to save the few remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas and many innocent Palestinians.
We have heard about the importance of a rules-based international order. More than 800 British lawyers and legal scholars, including former justices of the U.K. Supreme Court, recently wrote that all states are obliged to take all reasonable measures to improve the current situation. They listed several “concrete actions” such as imposing sanctions on Israeli government ministers and reviewing trade ties. Canada could do these.
It’s even in our self-interest: if Canada doesn’t do its duty under international law, what argument can we make when Donald Trump comes after us?
We must do the right thing, both morally and legally. Words are not enough.
Harry Shannon, Dundas