The organizing committee of Muslim Literary Festival (MLF) stands in solidarity with Palestine and condemns the ongoing apartheid and genocide enacted by the settler-colonial state of Israel. The illegal occupation of Palestine and genocide has resulted in the displacement, ethnic cleansing and detainment of Palestinians. Muslim Literary Festival calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, an end to the occupation and the liberation of Palestine.

Israel’s response to the events of October 7th has resulted in the displacement of almost 2 million people. Over 30 000 people have been killed, at least 13 000 of which are children. Airstrikes by Israel have also damaged or destroyed educational institutions, mosques, historical sites, and healthcare facilities. Israel is also intentionally starving Palestinians by blocking aid trucks from entering Gaza. Israel continues to violate international law and has failed to comply with the measures ordered by the International Court of Justice. This is not a war, it is genocide.

As residents of Canada, we are aware of this land’s violent history and know that we live on stolen land. We recognize that Canada is complicit in this genocide and has repeatedly failed to protect Palestinians and stand on the side of justice. The Canadian government has failed to call for a permanent ceasefire, which has contributed to this genocide. On March 18, 2024, Canadian MPs voted to end military exports to Israel. While this is a step forward for Canada, the original motion on Palestine called on Canada to recognize the State of Palestine and other key demands which were dropped from the final motion. The government of Canada still has work to do and we must continue to pressure our elected officials to follow through with their promise of ending military exports. We encourage fellow Canadians to use the resources listed below to stay informed and get involved.

There are several other countries and regions being impacted by settler colonialism and imperialism, and MLF also stands in solidarity with Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yemen, Haiti, Hawaii, and all oppressed peoples of the world. Our organization stands for liberation and will always stand against oppression.

This statement was written by referencing the statements created by Room Magazine, Augur Magazine, Writers in Solidarity with Palestine, and Publishers for Palestine. We are proud to be among these literary organizations who are speaking out against genocide.