OTTAWA — Former Liberal justice minister Irwin Cotler has joined a growing number of Jews urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt the ongoing conflict and alleviate starvation in Gaza. Cotler, a prominent human rights advocate, has faced threats from Iran due to his unwavering support for Israel and democratic values. He has signed an open letter asserting that Netanyahu's actions are endangering peace both domestically and internationally.

The letter states, "The policies and rhetoric of the government you lead are doing lasting damage to Israel, its standing in the world and the prospects of secure peace for all Israelis and Palestinians." It emphasizes the severe repercussions for Israel and the unity of Jewish communities globally.

Organized by the London Initiative, the letter criticizes Israel's restrictions on aid to Gaza, labeling them as "a moral and strategic disaster" that provides a "propaganda victory to Hamas" and undermines efforts to counter both Hamas and Iran. The signatories acknowledge Hamas's role in obstructing aid but stress the visible human suffering resulting from the government's policies.

The letter also highlights Israel's inability to control settler violence, which it claims has contributed to a wave of diplomatic criticism from Israel's historical allies. It argues, "If Israel’s military, when given the bold order by you, can send a missile through a window in Tehran to take out an Iranian general with unerring accuracy, it surely has the ability to maintain order in the West Bank, prevent Jewish extremist violence, protect Palestinian civilians and apply the law."

Furthermore, the letter condemns the rhetoric of Netanyahu's cabinet ministers, describing it as "a moral abomination and a chilul hashem — a desecration of Jewish values and Israel’s founding principles." It cites Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu's statement about "erasing Gaza" and making the territory entirely Jewish as particularly concerning.

Netanyahu's coalition includes parties that have been accused of promoting policies viewed as ethnic cleansing. The letter warns that the language of incitement used by government members is damaging efforts to strengthen Jewish ties to Israel and is exacerbating antisemitic sentiments.

Among the signatories is Canadian philanthropist Charles Bronfman, a co-founder of the Birthright program, which facilitates trips to Israel for Jewish youth. The letter also includes signatures from notable Canadian academics and volunteers associated with organizations like the New Israel Fund and the Herzl Project. However, the signatories clarify that they are expressing personal views, not representing their institutions.

Since the letter's release a week ago, Netanyahu has not directly responded. However, he defended the military campaign on Sunday, asserting that Israel's only option is to completely defeat Hamas.