Irek Kusmierczyk

My Statement: Middle East Motion

March 19, 2024

In October 2023 - I joined Members of Parliament calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East. Yesterday, I joined 203 MPs who voted YES to pass a motion to advance peace in the Middle East by calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, an expansion of humanitarian aid, and the protection of human rights as the key pillars.

The Conservatives voted NO.

Here is the full list of commonsense points contained in the motion:

Demand immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages, and Hamas must lay down its arms.
Cease further authorization and transfer of arms exports to Israel and stop illegal trade of arms, including to Hamas.
Ensure continued funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to meet the dire humanitarian need, engage with the United Nations internal investigations and independent review process, and ensure implementation of necessary long-term governance reforms and accountability measures.
Support the prosecution of all crimes and violations of international law committed in the region.
Support the work of the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court.
Demand unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.
Ensure Canadians trapped in Gaza can reach safety in Canada and expand access to the temporary resident visa program.;
Sanction extremist settlers and maintain sanctions on Hamas leaders.
Reaffirm that settlements are illegal under international law and that settlements and settler violence are serious obstacles to a negotiated two-state solution and advocate for an end to the decades-long occupation of Palestinian territories.
Work with international partners to actively pursue the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including towards the establishment of the State of Palestine as part of a negotiated two-state solution, and maintain Canada’s position that Israel has a right to exist in peace and security with its neighbours.

The motion fully recognizes the urgency of the unfolding humanitarian disaster in Gaza, and fully recognizes both the horrific October 7th attack by the terrorist organization Hamas on Israel and the murder of 1,200 Israelis and the horrific death toll in Gaza from Israel’s military and bombing campaign that has surpassed 30,000 people – the vast majority women and children. The motion recognizes the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. At the same time, it recognizes the pain and hurt felt by Jewish, Muslim, Arab and Palestinian Canadians and the need for all Canadians to work together to heal that hurt and to work together to counter fear and division in our communities.