(OTTAWA) — Since March 30, the Green Party of Canada has watched with growing anguish as Israeli Defence Forces have targeted and killed 110 Palestinians, including 12 children, with more than 12,000 injured. Today marks the final day of the Palestinians’ mass protests demanding their right to return to their original homes.

“Targeting civilian protesters is in direct violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which both Israel and Canada are signatories,” said Green Party of Canada Leader Elizabeth May (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands). “We call on the Liberal government to join us in demanding that Israel immediately stop targeting civilians.

“We again call on the government to cease all arms shipments to Israel, and to join with the international community in demanding an independent investigation into the recent killings. If we want to see international law respected, we must hold those who violate it accountable.”

Palestinians around the world mark today as their “day of catastrophe”, commemorating the displacement of over 700,000 people from their homes and properties leading up to and following the creation of Israel.

The Green Party of Canada says the rights of all people in the region must be respected in the context of two viable states -- Israel and Palestine -- living side by side in peace and prosperity.

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For more information or to arrange and interview:

Rod Leggett

Press Secretary

Rod.leggett@greenparty.ca

613-562-4916 ext 206