Iqra Khalid

My statements regarding the ongoing violence in the Middle East

October 30, 2023

The past few weeks have been devastating for our Mississauga-Erin Mills community as we’ve witnessed the deaths of thousands of innocent people in the Middle East. Every day, I have been listening to and consoling many of our neighbours, mourning with those who have lost loved ones as the violence continues to escalate.

I unequivocally condemn these horrific and indiscriminate attacks. My heart breaks for the thousands of civilians that have died, many of whom are children. Regardless of who is responsible, regardless of how they may justify the violence, every day without a ceasefire means more and more innocent civilians being killed.

We need an immediate ceasefire. We need to advocate for the freeing of civilian hostages and we need to make sure that the people in Gaza have access to food, water, and medical supplies. Most of all, we need to end the cycle of violence that has defined the last 75 years for all peoples who live in the region.

The world needs to come together to find a long-term solution to this crisis. For me, that includes Canada playing a role to advocate for the upholding of international human rights law.

We have been advocating for the creation of a humanitarian corridor so that we can deliver aid to Palestinian people stuck in Gaza. Our government has committed $60 million for that cause and we are working to establish a sustainable pathway to deliver that aid to the people in need.

As I continue to voice these concerns in my meetings with senior officials, I am working with community leaders and organizations to bring their voices to the attention of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Our advocacy brought Canada’s commitment to deliver humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza and we continue working to raise your concerns.

Global Affairs Canada is also working around the clock to bring home the Canadians stuck in the region. Anyone who knows Canadians who need assistance, please make sure they are registered with the Global Affairs Canada 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre: [email protected].

As the Member of Parliament for Mississauga-Erin Mills, I have a long track record of standing up for human rights and calling out injustices here in Canada and around the world. I have spoken out numerous times on this issue and joined Canada’s diverse communities to stand in solidarity with those working on the ground to advance peace for many years. I believe in a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel and that all people in the region deserve to live in peace, safety, and dignity.

We must continue advocating, working together every day to protect our communities from hate and build a lasting peace for all.

Sincerely,

Iqra Khalid

My statements since October 7th:

Statement following the initial attack by Hamas and response by Israel

Meeting with Muslim and Palestinian community members and organizations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Call for a ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people

Condemnation of the bombing of hospitals and call for a ceasefire

Canada-Palestine Friendship Group Joint Letter calling for a ceasefire

Humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza

Condemnation of rising acts of Antisemitism and Islamophobia in the GTA

Meetings with Solel Jewish Congregation and with the Muslim Council of Peel to hear concerns from the community