An Ontario NDP MPP whose statement on the Israel-Gaza war garnered condemnation from Jewish groups and calls for her resignation by Premier Doug Ford has apologized.
An Ontario NDP MPP whose statement on the Israel-Gaza war garnered condemnation from Jewish groups and calls for her resignation by Premier Doug Ford has apologized.
In the original post, Jama called for a ceasefire in the area of the conflict and demanded an end to what she described as the apartheid of the Palestinian people.
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“To be clear, I unequivocally condemn terrorism by Hamas on thousands of Israeli civilians. I also believe that Israel’s bombardment and siege on civilians in Gaza, as was also noted by the United Nations, is wrong.”
I find it curious the article does not actually quote her original post, but summarizes it.
Found the original post https://twitter.com/SarahJama_/status/1711808190889746854
I’m reflecting on my role as a politician who is participating in this settler colonial system, and I ask that all politicians do the same. #FreePalastine
She references white phosphorous being used in the conflict. From what I’ve read, that was a propaganda piece on social media that actually used a picture from Ukraine. Spreading propaganda without verifying sources is a big line to cross. *edit: there are now somewhat more reputable accusations of white phosphorous being used, but not yet independently confirmed.
There’s also the repeated references to settler colonialism, which is an over-simplification that deliberately chooses to ignore the long history of the region. That over-simplification goes beyond criticizing the government, and de-legitimizes the right of civilian people to live in the area in which they were born, and which they have a long history on the land. The quote goes way beyond just criticizing Israel’s military actions.