MP SITSABAIESAN: Bring injured Palestinian children from Gaza to Canada for treatment

MP SITSABAIESAN: Bring injured Palestinian children from Gaza to Canada for treatment

MP RATHIKA SITSABAIESAN

My NDP colleagues and I welcome the announcement of a long-term ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Millions of innocent civilians were caught in the line of fire in the Middle East, and more than two thousand have been killed since July.  I am deeply concerned about the situation.

New Democrats have been urging the Government of Canada contribute to emergency humanitarian support for civilians in Gaza, particularly children, through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Regrettably, the Conservative government has so far refused to provide this kind of assistance.

We are joining thousands of Canadians demanding the Government of Canada take immediate action to support humanitarian efforts, such as Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish’s initiative to bring injured Palestinian children from Gaza to Canada for treatment.

As a child of war myself, I had witnessed firsthand the civil war raging in my home country Sri Lanka. I watched in horror as violence, killings and other human rights abuses destroyed our homes and communities.

Our community of Scarborough-Rouge River is home to large diasporas from many parts of the world. Many of them chose Canada for its freedom, peace, prosperity and better future for their children.  As a nation of compassion, we need to bring injured Palestinian children to Canada for the treatment they need. Many health professionals in Scarborough and I am certain from coast to coast to coast in Canada are ready to volunteer their time and provide care to the injured children.

It is time for us to play an active role as the international community and demand a just and fair solution.

MP RATHIKA SITSABAIESAN
Scarborough-Rouge River