Since October 2023, we have witnessed the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza, including a record number of targeted attacks against humanitarian workers. Palestinians, including those among our teams and partners, are facing attacks, relentless bombings, and ongoing forced displacements. Those who survive risk dying from hunger, dehydration, and disease because they are denied access to clean water, fuel, health care, and food. Under the threat of imminent famine, children are dying from malnutrition, and their numbers will only increase due to the intentional obstruction of humanitarian aid by Israeli authorities.
The deliberate blocking of aid, combined with the continuation of indiscriminate violence and targeted attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure—clear violations of international law—has led to an unprecedented and entirely preventable humanitarian catastrophe, which can and must come to an end.
Over the past eight months, we have seen the Government of Canada demonstrate its ability to act positively and effectively in several instances, including by voting in favour of a ceasefire on December 6 at the United Nations General Assembly and adopting a motion on March 18 to end arms transfers to Israel. Even now, as Parliament is in recess for the summer, the time has come for Canada to take further decisive actions to give substance to its words of support for international law and a ceasefire.
Today, our 13 organizations have called on the Canadian government to take urgent action to:
- Ensure the complete halt of all arms transfers to Israel, including those already agreed upon before January 8, 2024;
- Adopt strong diplomatic measures to pressure Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice’s order and end the obstruction of humanitarian aid;
- Join third-party state efforts to pressure all parties to the conflict to accept and immediately implement the ceasefire resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council on June 10, and to ensure there is no further occupation or territorial modification of Gaza;
- Support humanitarian response and capacity—particularly for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)—through substantial funding and public statements of support.
At this very moment, as Parliament and Canadians prepare for the summer break, this human-made humanitarian crisis is worsening exponentially. Our teams on the ground continue to do everything in their power to assist civilians desperately in need of protection and aid. We urgently call on our Canadian government to do the same.
Quotes from press conference speakers:
Danny Glenwright, President and CEO of Save the Children, stated: “It is horrifying that children are dying from malnutrition, dehydration, and disease—deaths that sufficient humanitarian access would have prevented. These deaths are the result of aid restrictions, ongoing fighting, and the international community’s insufficient action to enforce international humanitarian law. Save the Children is calling for an immediate and definitive ceasefire; it is the only way to save lives in Gaza. There is no other solution.”
Béatrice Vaugrante, Executive Director of Oxfam-Québec, stated: “It is unacceptable that we are collectively allowing famine to take hold in Gaza and witnessing humanitarian action made nearly impossible by persistent bombings, aid passage bans, and the targeting of humanitarian facilities and personnel. All red lines regarding respect for the fundamental principles of human dignity have been crossed. Third-party states cannot relinquish their responsibility to use every possible lever to stop the immediate catastrophe and remove obstacles to a lasting solution. Canada and other UN members must clearly affirm that Israel’s occupation of the entire Gaza Strip must end as part of the proposed ceasefire agreement, as must its occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”
Darryl Loewen, Executive Director of the Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba: “‘Can you help us help?’ That is the call we received in October from our partners in Gaza in response to the emerging humanitarian crisis and devastating violence. Since then, they have continued to respond and ask us to act to end the violence and increase the impact of their work. We are also witnessing the concern of Canadians of faith and their desire to see everyone in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel live in peace and dignity. This is an entirely preventable catastrophe. As Mennonites, advocating for peace and justice is part of our work. We urgently call on the Canadian government to help by doing everything in its power to end the violence, including insisting on a ceasefire and the full delivery of aid, as well as halting arms transfers.”
Anne Delorme, Executive Director of Humanity & Inclusion Canada, “We are calling on the Government of Canada to pressure all parties to the conflict to reach a ceasefire. The use of explosive weapons in populated areas has resulted in 37,000 deaths and 85,000 severe injuries. These injuries include limb loss and brain trauma that will lead to long-term disabilities for a generation of Palestinians. The use of explosive weapons in Gaza also threatens the lives of humanitarian workers, hindering their ability to respond adequately and promptly to the vast and growing needs of civilians.”
Usama Khan, CEO of Islamic Relief Canada, stated: “The people of Gaza do not have the luxury of taking a break or stepping away from what is happening to them. Humanitarian organizations tirelessly emphasize the urgency of the situation and the catastrophic scale of each passing day. After more than 250 days of forced starvation, dehydration, and relentless bombings, Palestinians face an intolerable reality. They cannot endure one more day, let alone a few more months. The Canadian government must take clear, concrete, and urgent action now.”
Paul Farran, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Cooperation Canada: Following last week’s G7 meeting, Canada and other G7 countries deplored all civilian loss of life on both sides and expressed deep concern over the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, particularly among women and children. These words must be followed by concrete actions to ensure the consistent respect for human life and dignity. No party to a conflict has the right to systematically and repeatedly violate international law without consequences.
Quotes from organizations supporting the initiative and calling for decisive action:
“As signatories to this urgent call to action, the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) firmly urges Canada to take decisive steps to translate its statements into meaningful actions. The time for rhetoric is over; it is now time for tangible measures to save lives.” – Mahmood Qasim, Executive Director of IDRF
“We refuse to be silent witnesses as Israel intentionally kills tens of thousands of people with bombs and denies them life-saving assistance, including vital health care. It is time for Canada to go beyond words and take concrete action to end the massacres of civilians and other serious violations of international humanitarian law that we witness daily.” – Nadja Pollaert, Executive Director of Doctors of the World Canada
“How many more innocent Palestinians must die, be injured, traumatized, or starved before Israel ends this collective punishment? When will Israel’s allies say ‘enough is enough’ and demand that international law be respected and enforced? Our partners risk their lives and physical safety to bring food, water, and precious medicine to people who have nowhere left to go. On their behalf, we say that blockades and bombings must stop now! It is Canada’s responsibility to push for a permanent ceasefire, unequivocally support the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), and contribute to the development of a just peace plan in which Israel and Palestine can coexist in dignity on an equal footing.” – Carl Hétu, Executive Director, Development and Peace – Caritas Canada
“Canada must step up its efforts to end the violence and ensure that Canadian humanitarian aid organizations can safely deliver assistance to those in desperate need. We cannot afford to remain silent or passive; our actions today will determine the fate of countless innocent lives. We urge the Canadian government to uphold its commitments to international law and human rights by taking bold and immediate steps to mitigate this crisis.” – Mahmuda Khan, CEO of Human Concern International
“Israel’s deliberate destruction and blocking of aid have prevented humanitarian organizations like Oxfam from providing life-saving assistance in Gaza. The denial of aid to civilians and the targeting of humanitarian workers are direct violations of international humanitarian law. Canada must demonstrate its commitment to human rights and justice by demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.” – Lauren Ravon, Executive Director of Oxfam Canada.
“In every conflict, children are always the innocent victims and those who suffer the most. Every child has the right to live without violence or fear, a right that the global community must protect. At this moment, there is no safe space for civilians within Gaza. Plan International Canada condemns all violence and calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire from all parties involved. Canada must intervene urgently to put an end to the serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Gaza.” Lindsay Glassco, President and CEO, Plan International Canada
“The blockade of aid to Gaza resulting from the ongoing conflict in the region has deprived Palestinians of their fundamental human rights and caused unimaginable suffering, particularly for women and children. We cannot stand idly by while millions of lives are at stake. The Government of Canada must take decisive action to ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and an immediate ceasefire.” – Barbara Grantham, ICD.D, President and CEO of CARE Canada
CARE Canada
Doctors of the World Canada
Islamic Relief Canada
HI
Oxfam Canada
Oxfam-Québec
Mennonite Central Committee Canada
Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba
Save the Children
Human Concern International
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada
The International Development and Relief Foundation
Plan International Canada
For media inquiries, please contact:
Doctors of the World Canada: Mélissa Cabana, 514-799-8985, melissa.cabana@medecinsdumonde.ca
Photo: AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi