JSpaceCanada

OUR STATEMENT:
JSpaceCanada concerned about content of UNGA Ceasefire Resolution

While calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza are welcome, resolution failed to condemn Hamas or recognize necessity of a substantive peace plan

New York, NY - JSpaceCanada is concerned about Canada’s recent vote at the UN General Assembly: despite the crucial and necessary call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas and other militant groups, and for all parties to adhere to international law and rules of war, the resolution fails to include vital steps towards holding Hamas responsible or outlining a viable peace process.

“We are dismayed that condemnation of Hamas was not included in the resolution,” said JSpaceCanada Chair Joe Roberts. “The militant group controls the Gaza Strip and is responsible for the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 that claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis. We are additionally concerned that a call for a ceasefire without a comprehensive plan to guarantee the safety and security of Israelis and Palestinians in the long-term will lead simply to a resumption of the pre-October 7th status quo. Any call that fails to meet the terms set out in the tripartite statement issued by Prime Minister Trudeau earlier that same day is undeserving of Canada’s support.”

Despite these reservations, JSpaceCanada is still urging Israel to agree to another humanitarian pause or cessation of hostilities in exchange for the release of additional hostages.

“Should another pause come into effect, Israel and its international allies should take advantage of the relative calm of that pause to reevaluate the tactics employed by Israeli forces in this conflict,” said Roberts. “Ensuring a just approach moving forward that seeks to remove Hamas from power while protecting civilian lives is the only possible way forward. For Israel to continue on its current path of devastation and deepening the catastrophic humanitarian crisis for millions of innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza without seeking a long-term political solution, all but guarantees radicalization of the next generation and the survival of Hamas’ ideology.”

Israel and international players must recognize that the most effective way to counter Hamas is through a commitment to a two-state solution, and create comprehensive plans today to resume negotiations at once.

JSpaceCanada remains deeply concerned about Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent statements opposing the Oslo Accords, demonization of the Palestinian Authority, and continued attempts to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu’s strategy of strengthening Hamas while weakening the Palestinian Authority over his 10-plus years in power has proven to be an unequivocal failure. Further, his rhetoric indicating further intention to continue on this path will be detrimental to Israelis and Palestinians alike, as well as to the prospects of a two-state solution.

In light of these concerns, JSpaceCanada calls on Canada to commit to the tripartite statement along with Australia and New Zealand with tangible, concrete steps, emphasizing that a permanent cessation of fighting should only occur when Hamas is no longer a threat, all hostages are released, and a comprehensive plan for lasting peace is in place.

🚨ACTION ALERT🚨

We are extremely concerned about the recent actions of Israel's ultra right-wing government, which has instituted a series of provocative measures that have shattered the already shaky status quo in the occupied West Bank. These steps aim to annex portions of the West Bank and remove judicial constraints on the government's executive powers.

The government's plan undermines the prospects of a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly the establishment of a viable two-state solution. These actions include annexation of occupied territory through a transfer of administrative powers from the Israeli military to civilian oversight, net new settlement construction on occupied land that serves to further isolate territories within a future Palestinian state by dividing the North West Bank from the South, as well as separating the West Bank from East Jerusalem, and "regularizing" and/or "legalizing" nine outposts in the occupied West Bank, despite their violation of both Israeli and international law.

The Netanyahu government also intends to connect numerous other currently illegal outposts to essential infrastructure such as water and electricity, provided by the Israeli state. The recently re-populated outpost of Homesh has already been granted water access, despite the neighbouring Palestinian villages having no access. Additionally, planning and zoning committees of Israel's Civil Administration in the occupied West Bank are approving the construction of thousands of new housing units within existing settlements. Thousands of additional units have already been approved and, depending on international reaction, many more may yet be approved.

These actions escalate tensions, significantly reduce the possibility of a peaceful resolution of the conflict, and negatively impact on a daily basis the lives and rights of Palestinians living under occupation in the West Bank.

Please add your voice to ours, and demand that the Canadian government, as strong allies of Israel who believe in a two-state solution, prevent this disastrous advancement in the region.

https://www.jspacecanada.ca/prevent_settlement_expansion_and_annexation

STATEMENT: JSpaceCanada Concerned About Escalations of Violence in Gaza

JSpaceCanada is deeply saddened and horrified by the escalation in violence between the IDF and militants in Gaza. Israeli military forces have conducted operations in Gaza in response to rocket attacks perpetrated by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) as a result of the death of Khader Adnan. Adnan is believed to be a senior member of PIJ, which is recognized as a terrorist organization by multiple governments, including the government of Canada. He died following an 86-day hunger strike in an Israeli jail, in protest against being arrested and detained without trial.

Thus far, 12 Palestinians have been killed in IDF strikes: five women, four children, and three known militants. Three Israeli citizens were wounded, none killed. In a stunning and troubling reversal of established practice, the IDF has not issued any statement regretting the loss of life at this time.

The IDF’s initial limited response has been inflamed following the condemnation of a ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the UN by Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has himself previously been convicted of supporting an extreme right-wing terrorist organization, Kach. Ben-Gvir and his Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party announced a boycott of Knesset votes in response to the ceasefire.

“Make no mistake, the purpose of this escalation in Gaza is to strengthen the coalition and keep Netanyahu and his extremist allies in power.” said Joe Roberts, Chair of JSpaceCanada. “While Israel, like any sovereign country, has the right to defend itself, these raids do nothing to keep Israelis or Palestinians safe and only serve to strengthen the resolve of militant organizations. It is the innocent civilians on all sides — those most vulnerable — who lose the most.”

Said Roberts “It is important that we fight back against the creeping extremism and violence coming from the current Israeli government. We have serious concerns and questions as to whether this operation protects Israeli citizens. This government has been looking for any opportunity to distract the hundreds of thousands of Israelis protesting its antidemocratic policy agenda, and it appears that they are willing to put Israeli soldiers and citizens in danger to do so.”

At JSpaceCanada, our thoughts are with the people of Israel and Gaza — including so many of our own friends, families, and partners — who are living through this nightmare.

JSpaceCanada unequivocally condemns both the killing of innocent women and children by the IDF and the indiscriminate rocket attacks on civilians perpetrated by the PIJ.

“There is no military solution that will solve a political crisis, and these escalations serve only to cause devastation and fear for both Palestinians and Israelis.” said Roberts.

“We urge the Canadian government to recommit to working towards a negotiated and just two-state solution and play an active role in peacemaking in the region. With the threat of a multifront conflict looming, lives are at stake and international pressure is of the essence to bring down the temperature and restore the status quo.”
https://www.jspacecanada.ca/statement_escalations_of_violence_in_gaza

STATEMENT: JSpaceCanada Concerned About Escalations of Violence in Gaza Toronto, ON - JSpaceCanada is deeply saddened and horrified by the escalation in violence between the IDF and militants in Gaza. Israeli military forces have conducted operations in Gaza in response to rocket attacks perpetrated by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) as a result of the death of Khader A...

Join us on Sunday March 5 for an online discussion about the future of Palestinian-Israeli relations, the future of the Palestinian Authority, and the role public opinion plays in peace-making with Dr. Khalil Shikaki, Director, Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtf-yppz8rH9MtQYFqgO6K-gmd-xmbC5qT