The Canadian Association for the Study of International Development (CASID) condemns the ongoing ethnic cleansing in Gaza by the government of Israel. The horrific killing and kidnapping of Israelis on October 7th, 2023 cannot justify the ongoing genocide being perpetrated against Palestinians.
We strongly condemn the actions being undertaken by the Israeli government which violate international law, including depriving civilians in Gaza of water, food, fuel and electricity, and the bombing of hospitals, schools and residential neighborhoods, as well as the Jabalia refugee camp, which have cost thousands of lives and displaced more than 1.5 million people. On October 27th, Israel cut off all communication services initiating a nearly complete media blackout in Gaza, while continuing to launch an unprecedented number of air strikes. Not only has this resulted in more suffering and deaths (currently at over 10,000 in Gaza, of which more than 40% are children), but it has also put at risk the lives of international humanitarian and medical workers attempting to provide much needed support to the affected populations.
We urge the Canadian government to call for an immediate ceasefire, recall Canadian special forces members sent to assist the Israeli army, and demand an end to the decades-long occupation. In addition, we are appalled to learn that Canada abstained from voting on the UN General Assembly resolution passed on October 27th for the “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities” in the Gaza crisis. We urge the Canadian government to support the immediate entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and to engage seriously in diplomatic initiatives with the UN and other international partners to bring lasting peace in the region.
As an academic association dedicated to the study of international development, we recognize the importance of an immediate end to this violence, for decolonization, and for global solidarity with Palestinians. With this in mind, we urge universities, employers, media and all levels of government in Canada to refrain from censoring or otherwise punishing those expressing their solidarity with the Palestinian people, and to defend the right to academic freedom and integrity.
CASID Executive Committee