Canada condemns Israeli settler violence against Palestinians

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) – Canada urged Israel on Monday to take “immediate action” to stop settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank amid fears that it will “negatively impact” chances for a two-state solution.

The criticism came the same day that five Canadian lawmakers arrived in Israel to “experience the resolve, bravery and social responsibility of the Israeli people.”

The call to put an end to the violence was contained in a strongly worded statement that condemned the settlers’ actions and also expressed serious concern over reports of Palestinian communities being forcibly removed from their lands in the West Bank.

“Canada, along with partners, calls on the Government of Israel to take immediate action to stop such further occurrences of extremist settler violence, protect the Palestinian population, and hold those responsible for the violence accountable under the law,” the statement said.

Canada supports a two-state solution with both an independent Israel and Palestine living in peaceful co-existence.

“Canada continues to recognize the Palestinian right to self-determination and remains committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the region, of a two-state solution, including the creation of an independent, viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel,” the statement said.

Despite the condemnation, five lawmakers – two from the ruling Liberal Party and three from the opposition Conservatives – touched down in Israel on Monday as part of a delegation of about 60 that also included Canadian Jewish leaders.

Their stated goal was to “learn about the trauma and toll of the Hamas invasion” and “experience the resolve, bravery and social responsibility of the Israeli people.”