Former Green MP Jenica Atwin adjusts position on Israel after joining Liberal caucus

MP who says she left the Green Party over its "both sides" position on Israel-Palestine joins Liberal Party and quickly adopts its "both sides" position on Israel-Palestine.

OTTAWA — Jenica Atwin has adjusted her position on Israel to align with the governing Liberal party she joined just four days ago.

The Fredericton MP left the Greens on Thursday after openly criticizing party leader Annamie Paul's call for de-escalation of the recent deadly hostilities between Israel and Palestinians.

Atwin had said she stood with Palestine and maintained there were "no two sides to this conflict, only human rights abuses" by Israel, which she accused of pursuing a policy of apartheid.

But Atwin now says her words were intended to "send strength and love" to people in need of support.

She says she recognizes that both Palestinians and Israelis have suffered and regrets if her choice of words caused harm to people who are suffering.

She says she's looking forward to working with her new Liberal colleagues of all faiths to continue supporting peace and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 14, 2021.

The Canadian Press

Former Green MP Jenica Atwin adjusts position on Israel after joining Liberal caucus

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