Toronto – Canada continues to be deeply concerned by the persistent and worsening catastrophic humanitarian conditions and the imminent risk of famine in Gaza. The human suffering at this scale and severity requires urgent attention and an immediate response. Canada remains committed to ensuring that Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank receive the life-saving assistance they desperately need.

Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced that Canada will provide $50 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to address the acute needs of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. This funding will help provide emergency medical assistance, food, water, protection services and other life-saving assistance. It will be delivered through experienced and trusted UN, Red Cross and NGO partners that have the necessary operational capacity on the ground to respond.

Canada continues to call for the safe, rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance for civilians so that the humanitarian response can be urgently scaled up. Humanitarian workers must be protected, and International Humanitarian Law must be upheld to keep civilians safe. Canada reiterates the call for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, for Hamas to lay down its arms and the unconditional release of all hostages.

Canada continues to work with its international partners towards a two-state solution and lasting and sustainable peace for the region. Canada will be participating in the Cairo conference on the humanitarian response in Gaza on December 2, co-convened by the Government of Egypt and the UN. At this conference, Canada will join discussions on how to increase humanitarian efforts in Gaza, address pressing needs, support early recovery, and plan for long-term reconstruction.