Canadian party approves anti-Israel resolution

Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) approved an anti-Israel resolution during its policy convention over the weekend.

The resolution, entitled “Justice and Peace in Israel-Palestine” calls on Israel “to end its occupation and settlement program, lift the Gaza blockade, recognize its Arab-Palestinian citizens’ right to full equality, and address refugee claims fairly.”

It also calls to “ensure all relevant government agencies require accurate identification of settlement products imported and marketed in Canada as products of occupied territories in accordance with UNSC 2334, s. 5; and recognize the State of Palestine and upgrade the status of the Palestinian General Delegation in Ottawa to the General Delegation of Palestine, with full immunities.”

Canadian Jewish groups had asked NDP members not to approve the resolution.

“Unfortunately, the anti-Israel resolution that was passed (‘Justice and Peace in Israel-Palestine’) contributes neither towards justice nor towards peace,” B’nai Brith Canada said in a statement.

The NDP is a left-wing social democratic party that is generally considered Canada’s third party federally, although at times it has been the official opposition, and it has formed governments provincially.