MONTREAL, Sunday, April 11, 2021 (WAFA) — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) has applauded the New Democratic Party of Canada (NDP) for adopting a bold new policy in support of sanctions against Israel.

NDP party members passed yesterday a popular, grassroots resolution in support of a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements and an arms embargo on Israel. This vote was a major win for party activists, including Palestinian and Jewish members, who have organized for years to get the NDP take action to support Palestinian human rights.

“For the first time, the NDP has endorsed concrete and proactive measures that the Canadian government can take to force Israel’s compliance with international law,” said Michael Bueckert, CJPME vice president. “This is a major step forward for the NDP, and an encouraging development for all Canadians who want to see our political leaders respond to the call for action coming from Palestinian civil society,” added Bueckert.

CJPME noted that the Green Party of Canada adopted a motion with similar measures in 2016, including a ban on importing settlement goods and the termination of military cooperation with Israel.

According to the NDP’s new Israel sanctions policy, New Democrats believe in “ending all trade and economic cooperation with illegal settlements in Israel-Palestine,” and “suspending the bilateral trade of all arms and related materials with the State of Israel until Palestinian rights are upheld.”

The resolution was endorsed by thirty-three riding associations, the party’s young wing, and several NDP lawmakers. There was a similar grassroots initiative to adopt a ban on settlement goods at the previous NDP convention in 2018, but it was blocked from coming to the floor for a vote.

M.N