Burnaby City Council in Canada made history by unanimously passing a motion on Tuesday calling for a complete arms embargo on Israel.
The motion, titled Advocating for Canada’s Role: Peace for the Palestinian People, urges Mayor Mike Hurley to push for a comprehensive arms embargo with Israel and convert the Gaza temporary resident visa (TRV) program to facilitate the safe reunification of Gazan-Canadian families. Mayor Hurley is set to convey this request in a letter to the federal government. Additionally, the motion mandates Burnaby to endorse the Apartheid-Free Communities Pledge.
Coun. Alison Gu, the author of the motion, emphasized the concern of numerous Burnaby residents witnessing the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Israel’s conflict with Gaza. The motion highlights Burnaby City Council’s dedication to promoting freedom, justice, and equality for the Palestinian population while opposing racism, discrimination, and oppression. It pledges to collaborate with others to end any backing of Israel’s Apartheid regime, settler colonialism, and military presence.
Harsha Walia, a Burnaby resident, praised the council’s decision as a crucial initial step, expressing the community’s shared commitment to seeking justice for Palestine.
Recent reports from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicated a famine in Gaza City, with concerns of its expansion to other southern cities such as Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah in the absence of a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian aid.
Pope Leo XIV joined the international chorus of voices on Wednesday, urging Israel to halt the collective punishment and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and appealing for an immediate and lasting ceasefire to prevent further conflict escalation.