Former diplomats call for arms embargo on Israel, recognition of Palestinian state

Dozens of former senior Canadian diplomats are calling on Ottawa to recognize a Palestinian state, saying Israel's conduct in the West Bank and Gaza violates Canadian interests and values.

In a letter sent to media outlets today, the former diplomats also call on the federal government to impose a full arms embargo on Israel and to give notice it will suspend its trade agreement with Israel if the country doesn't change course.

The letter has been signed by 173 former Canadian ambassadors, high commissioners and consuls-general, including some prominent former envoys.

They say in the letter the principles Canada stands for "are being abandoned daily with the massive displacement, indiscriminate bombardment and starvation of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the violent attacks by extremist settlers in the West Bank."

The former diplomats say recognition of Palestinian statehood would encourage serious peace talks and tell Israel "that it does not have a veto" on the matter.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is mounting a campaign against recognizing a Palestinian state, arguing that "hollow statehood recognition will only reward and embolden Hamas."

Picture Courtesy: AP Photo/Leo Correa