A Green Party sign sits at the foot of a podium in Vancouver on March 30, 2011, before leader Elizabeth May discusses her exclusion from the televised election debates.ANDY CLARK/Reuters
The president of the Green Party is stepping down amid controversy over comments he made on the conflict in the Middle East.
Paul Estrin issued a statement Tuesday saying his resignation is effective immediately.
He say he is proud of "all the successes and achievements made" during his tenure and never meant to "create confusion" or have his actions affect the party negatively.
Estrin wrote a blog post a week ago called "Why Gaza makes me sad," which expressed support for Israel.
He later said the essay reflects only his personal viewpoint, not that of the party.
The party, meanwhile, stressed its stance is one of "engaged neutrality" that calls for both sides to cease hostilities.