Ontario NDP MPP Sarah Jama (Hamilton Centre) said Israel’s treatment of Palestine amounts to apartheid. .“We are seeing this definition of apartheid in real time through the continued violation of human rights in Gaza through the use of white phosphorus chemicals; the withholding of access to food, fuel, electricity and water; and the destruction of the only exit from Gaza that isn’t controlled by the State of Israel — the Rafah border,” said Jama in a Tuesday statement. .Especially with this context in mind, she said the news coming out of Israel and Palestine is problematic. For 75 years, she said violence and retaliation rooted in settler colonialism “have taken the lives of far too many innocent people.” .Jama called for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation. She said people “must look to the solution to this endless cycle of destruction and death: end all occupation of Palestinian land and end apartheid.” .“Canada must hold true to its history of peacemaking and refrain from military intervention,” she said. .“My heart genuinely goes out to all those impacted by this ongoing violence.” .Line co-founder Matt Gurney expressed shock towards Jama’s support for Palestine. .“No added comment,” said Gurney. .Canadian author Lydia Perovic said Jama was being hysterical. .“You're taking a very good MPP salary from this settler colonial system,” said Perovic. .Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles responded by saying Jama's statement does not reflect her party's, which is articulated in the NDP's statement. ."MPP Jama's statement was not approved by our Caucus," said Stiles. ."I have asked that she retract her statement and state clearly that she decries any violence against both Israeli and Palestinian people and that she agrees with the federal NDP's stance." .With the terrorist attacks on Hamas against thousands of Israelis, Stiles said they are unjustifiable and must be condemned. She called for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation to prevent further bloodshed in Israel and Gaza and for a political solution that brings lasting peace. .Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets and sent scores of soldiers into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip in an unprecedented attack during a major Jewish holiday on Saturday, killing hundreds and stunning the country. .READ MORE: Netanyahu declares war on Hamas after Israeli attack kills hundreds.The Israeli government said it was now at war with Hamas and launched airstrikes in Gaza, vowing to set a new precedent. .Hamas soldiers are fighting gun battles inside several Israeli communities near Gaza several hours after the attack began. Israel’s national rescue service said at the time at least 250 people have been killed and hundreds wounded, making it the deadliest attack in years.
