The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel has made it clear: Israel is intentionally committing genocide in Gaza. Their report confirmed what many Palestinians and their allies have known to be true for months. Israeli security forces have committed crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza, including extermination, torture, rape, sexual violence and other inhumane acts, inhuman treatment, forcible transfer, persecution based on gender, and starvation as a method of warfare.

The CFNU has made several statements and sent letters to the Federal Canadian government regarding the evolving situation in Palestine and Israel - initially named a war but now known to be a genocide. Unfortunately, BCNU has remained relatively silent and has yet to acknowledge and condemn Israel's ongoing genocide of Palestinians.

As Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission, said, “The international community cannot stay silent on the genocidal campaign launched by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza... Every day of inaction costs lives and erodes the credibility of the international community.” If BCNU wants to be a respected member of the community, it should fulfill its moral and ethical obligation to speak up against Israel’s actions and use all economic, labour, and political tools available to STOP the genocide in Gaza.

Silence is complicity, and the time for neutrality has long passed. We urge you to stand with your members on the side of humanity, health, and justice—now.