NDP MP Matthew Green’s Nakba Bill: A Call for Peace and Justice in Palestine

Image Credit: hosnysalah
Palestinian photographer currently living in Palestine Gaza Strip

NDP Member of Parliament Matthew Green has taken the lead in sponsoring a Private Members’ piece of legislation known as the Nakba Bill. Green characterizes it as a Movement for Peace and Justice that aims beyond mere symbolism, focusing on tangible policy changes. As Canada grapples with its position on the Israel-Hamas conflict, Green’s initiative becomes a crucial step in addressing the ongoing crisis in the region.

Among Canada’s major political parties, the NDP stands out as the lone advocate for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. While Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly recently joined over 100 countries in the United Nations (UN) to call for a halt to hostilities, the NDP had been vocal about the necessity for such action well before this development. The Canadian government faced significant criticism from human rights groups and members of the Palestinian community for not urging a ceasefire earlier. The UN has labeled the Gaza Strip as the worst humanitarian crisis on earth, likening it to a graveyard for children.

The Nakba, meaning “catastrophe” in Arabic, refers to the tragic events that unfolded during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, leading to the forced displacement. During this bloody period, an estimated 700,000 Palestinians were displaced, with many losing their lives in the process. The exact number of Palestinian casualties remains a subject of debate, but the Nakba undeniably left an indelible mark on the collective memory of the Palestinian people. Additionally, it is important to note that while the focus is often on the Palestinian plight during the Nakba, there were also casualties among Jewish people, with approximately 6,000 losing their lives amid the conflict.

As of now, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is devastating, with an estimated 1.5 million Palestinians displaced and over 20,000 fatalities, averaging 300 deaths per day. The toll includes over 8,000 children and 52,000 injuries, underscoring the severe impact on civilians. Disturbingly, reports indicate over 1,300 people in Israel have lost their lives since October 7, with around 100 hostages still held. Alarming figures from the US Director of National Intelligence, corroborated by CNN, reveal that Israel has dropped more than 29,000 bombs on Gaza during the ongoing conflict, with 40-45% of these being unguided, exacerbating the already dire situation.

Green’s Nakba Bill is not merely a symbolic gesture but a concrete effort to push for substantial policy changes. The bill seeks to recommit Canada to a principled position on “peace, justice, transparency,” and reconciliation in the Middle East. By addressing the root causes of the conflict, the legislation aims to contribute to a lasting resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all parties involved.

The fate of the Nakba Bill in the House of Commons carries significant implications. If the bill fails to garner support from the opposition, it may send a discouraging message about Canada’s commitment to seeing an end to the mounting death toll in the region. Failure to pass this legislation could undermine efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and contribute to a peaceful resolution. It is crucial for all Canadians to recognize the importance of this bill and to engage in the democratic process to ensure its success. Now, more than ever, the voices of Canadians are crucial in shaping the nation’s role in promoting a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.