Canada Allocates $10 Million Aid for Israel and Gaza Amidst Controversy over Humanitarian Law Violations
In a recent announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that Canada will be providing an initial $10 million in aid to address urgent needs in both Israel and the Gaza Strip. However, Trudeau has stopped short of commenting on the United Nations’ warning that Israel may be violating international humanitarian law with its actions in the region.
Alongside this aid announcement, the Canadian government has initiated efforts to evacuate Canadian citizens from the conflict zone. The first two Canadian airlifts from Israel have been completed, with 128 citizens, permanent residents, and relatives landing in Athens on a military flight, followed by a second flight carrying roughly 153 people.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed that the first flight included not only Canadians but also passengers of other nationalities, such as Americans, Australians, and Brazilians. Currently, there are approximately 5,685 Canadian citizens registered in Israel and 465 registered in the Palestinian territories.
More than 1,600 individuals have requested assistance in leaving the region, including around 800 in Israel, 180 in the West Bank, and 100 in Gaza. It is important to note that these figures represent registered Canadians and may not reflect the actual number of Canadians present in those areas.
The Canadian government has organized daily military flights from Tel Aviv to Athens, with a surge capacity to increase the frequency based on demand and flying conditions. Additionally, efforts are underway to facilitate the departure of Canadians from the West Bank through a land route into neighboring Jordan.
While Canada’s aid and evacuation efforts are underway, concerns have been raised about potential violations of international humanitarian law. The United Nations has warned that Israel’s actions, including cutting off access to essential resources like water and power, may be in violation of international law. Humanitarian groups also report difficulties in providing supplies to the Gaza Strip due to Israeli restrictions.
When questioned about Israel’s compliance with international law, Prime Minister Trudeau refrained from delivering a direct response. Instead, he emphasized Canada’s commitment to protecting lives and condemned the actions of Hamas, which Canada considers a terrorist organization.
As the situation in Israel and Gaza continues to evolve, the International Committee of the Red Cross has called on both Hamas and Israeli officials to allow humanitarian access to Gaza. The Canadian government has pledged part of its aid towards a potential humanitarian convoy into Gaza, provided a safe corridor can be established.
The evacuation efforts, aid provision, and ongoing discussions about compliance with international law highlight the complex nature of the conflict. Canada, along with other countries, remains committed to supporting civilians and working towards a resolution that ensures the safety of both Palestinians and Israelis.
