NDP, Green Party struggle to stay unified about Israeli Palestine conflict

Over the past several weeks, the four national political parties have clearly articulated their positions on the Israeli Palestinian conflict.

The Tories, of course, have been resolute in their unconditional support for Israel. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has put out regular statements chiding the "international terrorist group Hamas" for its actions.

The Liberal Party has taken a very similar stance.

"Israel has the right to defend itself and its people," leader Justin Trudeau said in a statement.

"Hamas is a terrorist organization and must cease its rocket attacks immediately."

The New Democrats — to some people's surprise — has also thrown their support behind Israel.

And finally, the Green Party is the the lone dissenter: At their national policy convention, earlier this month, the party passed a motion which "escalates political measures against Israel by condemning its continued settlement expansions."

While the Tory and Liberal caucuses have exuded party discipline on this issue, the others seem to have some dissension in their ranks.

As first pointed out by the Vancouver Sun's Peter O'Neil, NDP deputy leader Libby Davies, has been active on social media wavering from the NDP policy.

"Davies, the Vancouver East MP, has expressed some views on Facebook and Twitter that don’t appear to mirror the approach taken by Mulcair," O'Neil wrote.

"She has made several posts that focus primarily on the carnage in Gaza.

"She was 'dismayed that Canada would criticize the UN for speaking out in regards to tragic loss of life of innocent people in Gaza. We must uphold the rule of law and call for end to violence, whether it be rockets, mass bombings and occupation.'"

[ Related: ‘The world is a mess,’ and that’s good news for Stephen Harper’s re-election hopes ]

On Twitter, Davies is also urging Canadians to "consider signing" a petition — critical of Israel — on her colleague Alexendre Boulerice's Facebook page.

"After years of suffering from occupation and blockade, the civilian population of Gaza has now to endure the constant pounding of missiles. Since the beginning of Operation Protective Edge, over 170 Palestinians 878 Palestinians (The fatalities include: 207 minors (one minor participated in the hostilities), 88 women, 47 senior citizens," notes the petition.

"The deafening sound of missiles and rockets must stop. The civilian population deserve quiet and security. There is only one solution to achieve this for both Palestinians and Israelis: putting an end to the occupation of the West Bank and the siege of Gaza and to negotiate in good faith."

According to O'Neil, Davies won't speak to the media about her personal views.

[ Related: Israel strikes house of Hamas Gaza leader, digs in for long fight ]

There's also been a very odd exchange of positions from the Greens.

Despite the fact that members passed a resolution condemning the actions of Israel, party president Paul Estrin published a blog post on the Green Party website tacitly supporting Israel.

"The Gazan government has had ample opportunity over these past years, nearly a decade, to alter its ways, change its mantra of death to the Jews, and become respectable caretakers of the people in their charge," he wrote.

"Israel is doing all it can with an untenable situation. The world media vilifies it, to the point that when those firing missiles into its borders and sending militias into its land need to see that they cannot do this, it is Israel, and not Gaza, that feels the world’s hate."

Estrin does include a disclaimer noting that the blog post are his personal opinions — even though the post is on the party's official website.

Regardless, Green Party leader Elizabeth May was forced to spend her time on Twitter, on Monday evening, distancing herself from her president's comments.

The Israeli war against Hamas is proving to be a divisive issue throughout the international community.

It looks like it's also a difficult issue within the NDP caucus and Team-Green.

(Photo courtesy of The Canadian Press)

Are you a politics junkie?
Follow @politicalpoints on Twitter!