Canadian FM Condemns Palestinian Attacks, Incitement

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird: Those who incite ‘cannot plead ignorance when terrorist attacks like today’s occur.’

By Ari Soffer, INN (Nov 11/14)

Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird

Canada’s foreign minister condemned Monday’s deadly attacks by Palestinian terrorists in which two Israelis were murdered and several others wounded.

“Canada condemns today’s brazen attacks that have claimed the lives of an Israeli woman and a member of the Israel Defense Forces,” said Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird in a statement Monday.

“These terrorist attacks come after last week’s deplorable violence where vehicles were intentionally driven into innocent bystanders,” he continued, referring to a spate of Palestinian attacks on Israeli civilians.

“Perpetrators of these acts of violence are responsible for further aggravating an already volatile situation.”

Unlike the US State Department in its statement of condemnation, Baird did not shy away from criticizing those responsible for fanning the flames of incitement – though he did not single them out by name. For weeks, Hamas and Islamic Jihad have been joined by the Palestinian Authority and its leader Mahmoud Abbas in encouraging violence against Jews in and around Jerusalem.

“Any statements of incitement are irresponsible,” Baird said. “Those leaders who regularly issue them cannot plead ignorance when terrorist attacks like today’s occur.”

“On behalf of all Canadians, we stand with the people of Israel and offer our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims,” he added.

Official PA media has regularly featured songs and cartoons glorifying recent terrorist attacks and encouraging more Palestinians to use their cars as deadly weapons against Israeli civilians and security forces alike.

Israel’s UN Ambassador Ron Prosor on Monday evening slammed the international silence over Palestinian incitement, even as anti-Israel resolutions continue to emanated from the UN and European leaders in particular.

“I will be perfectly clear: Ignoring incitement and terrorism is similar tosupporting terrorism,” Prosor told reporters in New York, hours after the two latest stabbing terrorist attacks in Tel Aviv and Gush Etzion.

“Every single day, Israelis are coming under attack. Every day the crowds of violent Palestinian rioters grow larger. And yet, this institution has not uttered a word to denounce attacks against Israelis.”