Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has deplored theshooting of a Canadian-Palestinian doctor by an Israeli sniper and called for an independent investigation into Israel’s use of live ammunition against civilians.
Mr. Trudeau issued a statement on Wednesday decrying as “inexcusable” the use of “excessive force.”
“We are appalled that Dr. Tarek Loubani, a Canadian citizen, is among the wounded – along with so many unarmed people, including civilians, members of the media, first responders, and children,” Mr. Trudeau said in the strongest criticism his government has ever levelled against Israel. “Canada calls for an immediate independent investigation to thoroughly examine the facts on the ground – including any incitement, violence, and the excessive use of force.”
Dr. Loubani was shot in both legs by an Israeli sniper on the Gaza border Monday as clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli Defence Forces left at least 60 dead. More than 2,700 Palestinians suffered injuries, including 1,359 from live ammunition.
Israel had deployed two brigades and at least 100 snipers along the Gaza frontier as tens of thousands of Palestinians protested against the inauguration of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem.
British Prime Minister Theresa May and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have also called for an independent inquiry, expressing concern about the volume of live fire used by Israeli forces. The United States blocked the adoption of a UN Security Council statement on Tuesday that would have called for an independent probe. The United States blames the deaths on Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza and which encouraged the protests.
The Israeli embassy in Ottawa said Mr. Trudeau’s statement was referred to the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “We have asked Jerusalem for instructions, as this is a prime ministerial issue,” spokesman Itay Tavor said.
Avi Benlolo, president of Canadian Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, called Mr. Trudeau’s statement unbalanced and said he failed to condemn Hamas for inciting violence and “attempting to enter a sovereign nation to carry out terrorism.”
Mr. Trudeau did not say who should investigate the Israeli actions, but said Canada would reach out to international partners and international institutions.
University of Ottawa law professor Errol Mendes said Canada could ask the UN Human Rights Council to investigate because the United States has no veto over this body.
Source: The Globe and Mail