B.C. NDP calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza at annual convention

An emergency resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East was passed Sunday at the B.C. NDP convention.

The resolution by members of the province’s New Democrats Party condemns the deaths of civilians caused by the war, and calls for the “release of hostages taken by the Hamas on Oct. 7.”

It was the last resolution passed after a three-day long gathering in Victoria that featured speeches from the Premier David Eby and NDP party leader Jagmeet Singh.

After the Oct. 7 attacks, Israel declared war on Hamas, began an airstrike campaign and cut off food, fuel, water and supplies to Gaza, which is home to 2.3 million Palestinians.

The territory’s health officials say more than 12,700 people have been killed in the retaliation campaign so far, two-thirds of them women and children. Another 2,700 people are reported missing.

Other commitments mentioned in the NDP’s resolution include calling on the federal government to advocate for humanitarian aid in Gaza, and calling on the provincial government to welcome displaced refugees to B.C.

The resolution is tied up by stating the B.C. NDP will “stand in solidarity with all Israelis and Palestinians who want to live free of fear, oppression, and violence.”

Meanwhile, a letter campaign written by Singh and addressed to Prime Minister Trudeau asks for an urgent meeting to discuss a ceasefire and is open for the public to sign.

“Prime Minister, there are a growing number of MPs calling on you to advocate for a ceasefire,” the letter reads. “These elected officials, including from your own party, are adding their voices to global calls for an end to the violence.”

As of Nov. 20, 70 local government officials from across B.C. have also signed a different open letter to the federal government calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Among them are Adrianne Carr and Christine Boyle from the City of Vancouver, Mayor Mike Hurley from the City of Burnaby, Councillor Jessica McIlroy from North Vancouver, Councillor Ahmed Yousef from Maple Ridge, Councillor Jaimie McEvoy from New Westminster and Councillor Michael Wolfe from Richmond.

–With files from The Canadian Press