Statement

For Immediate Release

March 3, 2009

Canada is not supporting civilians in Gaza adequately

Ottawa , ON --The National Council on Canada-Arab Relations regrets that Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon chose not to go to Gaza , contrary to the high profile US and European officials who wanted to see for themselves the destruction in Gaza ahead of the donors' conference for the reconstruction of Gaza in Sharm Al Sheikh. As Tony Blair said after his visit to Gaza : "I don't think anybody can come here and not be appalled at what has happened."

“By failing to visit Gaza , Canada has missed the opportunity to show that our interest in the well-being of the whole region is genuine,” said NCCAR President Bahija Réghaï. In fact, Minister Cannon stated that while Canada “will be active in this file,” his presence at the donors' conference was "to be able to take stock, listen to what is going to be said." There has been no Canadian contribution for the reconstruction of Gaza and won't be any according to the Minister -- beyond the $300 million over five years for “justice and security system reform,” committed in 2006, and the $4 million in humanitarian aid allocated on January 7, 2009.

During his visit, Minister Cannon encouraged “President Abbas to renew peace efforts with Israel ” but didn't publicly request the same of Israeli leaders. Instead, he assured them of “ Canada 's long-standing support for the state of Israel and … the country's firm belief in Israel 's right to self-defence.” Amnesty International has reported the extensive use of weaponry during Israel 's war in Gaza , including white phosphorus artillery shells, 500lb bombs and Hellfire missiles. “The right to self-defence does not include massive and indiscriminate attacks of densely populated civilian areas,” said Réghaï.

Even after the enormous war damage to civilian life in Gaza , Israel continues to block desperately needed aid from entering the territory and to strangle Gaza 's economy. Human Rights Watch said that international donors to Gaza 's reconstruction and development should call on Israel to end its punishing blockade of the territory and to allow needed humanitarian assistance and normal commerce to resume.

NCCAR urges the Canadian government to join U.N. and other officials and demand that the siege be lifted immediately to address adequately the humanitarian crisis, and allow the reconstruction of Gaza . Palestinians need to start rebuilding their shattered lives without any further delay.

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Contact:

Phone: 613-878-3965 - E mail: president@nccar.ca