Around 200 individuals staged a protest outside the Munk Debates venue in Toronto on Wednesday. The debate featured a panel of exclusively Israeli speakers discussing the viability of a two-state solution for Israel. Protesters, displaying signs and Palestinian flags, voiced their discontent before being dispersed by law enforcement. Trevor Miller, one of the demonstrators, labeled the event as “unacceptable,” emphasizing their support for the people of Palestine under imperialism.
The debate’s focus, as stated on the Munk Debates website, was whether supporting a two-state solution is in Israel’s national interest. Former Israeli officials Ehud Olmert, Tzipi Livni, Michael Oren, and Ayelet Shaked provided arguments both in favor of and against the resolution, with no representation from Palestinian voices during the event.
Rudyard Griffiths, the chair of the Munk Debates, defended the panel selection, highlighting the participants’ extensive experience and insights on the topic. Despite criticism over the absence of Palestinian representation, Griffiths underscored the importance of discussing Palestinian statehood and the fractures it has caused within Israeli society.
The debate sparked controversy, with allegations of war crimes directed at two of the speakers, Olmert and Livni, for their roles during the conflict in Gaza from 2008 to 2009. Calls for their investigation and arrest were made by Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR), emphasizing the need for Canada to uphold international law and prosecute individuals suspected of grave breaches. The group cited the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention, urging Canada to take action against those involved in alleged international crimes.
The Munk Debates organizer remained firm on their decision to exclude Palestinian voices, stating that the event was part of a broader conversation. The ongoing debate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to raise concerns and prompt calls for accountability and justice for alleged war crimes committed during the conflict.