Aid organization in Canada temporarily halts assistance to Gaza, alleging Israeli system of obstruction
Canadian Silence as Risk of Famine Surges in Gaza
Humanitarian groups are voicing concern over the Canadian government's apparent indifference as the threat of famine for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip increases. Meanwhile, a Canadian humanitarian organization has halted aid deliveries, accusing Israel of enforcing a hazardous distribution system.
"This is not a humanitarian response; it's a means of control," lamented Iftikhar Shaikh Ahmad, program director of Human Concern International, based in Ottawa, at a press conference on Thursday morning.
"We've made the painful decision to suspend 17 trucks due to this politicized mechanism," Ahmad explained.
Israeli authorities have instituted this distribution system, alleging that Hamas is stealing substantial amounts of aid—a claim that international institutions consider unverified. The Israeli government, however, bars foreign journalists and many international organizations from accessing and evaluating the situation within Palestinian territory.
Medical personnel visiting the region report widespread injuries, including among children. Israel maintains it aims to minimize civilian casualties while targeting Hamas.
The new Israeli distribution system, implemented after a nearly three-month blockade, necessitates Palestinians to wait in enclosed spaces to receive aid, which is monitored by Israeli troops and American contractors. On Tuesday, Israeli soldiers discharged warning shots near a desperate crowd scrambling to stock up on food.
Human Concern International claims to have food and medical supplies stored in Jerusalem that it now hesitates to send to the Gaza Strip. Ahmad stated that each of the 17 trucks carried 2240 boxes, sufficient to cater to a family of five's minimum daily caloric requirements for a week.
"It's simply about keeping them alive, not about feeding them or preventing illnesses," she declared at the press conference.
Humanitarian organizations assert that entrusting aid distribution to a warring party politicizes the process, particularly when Israel only provides aid in the south, far from the northern areas of Gaza it claims it wants to clear of Palestinians.
The United Nations, having withdrawn from the new system, assert that Israel's restrictions on food aid in the territory foster despair and risk of famine. Save the Children reports that children in Gaza are resorting to eating sand, leaves, and animal feed.
"They are on the streets, their bowls empty as they search for food," laments Rachael Cummings, local director of Save the Children from the city of Deir al Balah in Gaza. "Children with empty bottles searching for drinking water. It's a desperate struggle for survival."
According to Cummings, there is "scant evidence" of mass aid theft by Hamas. Humanitarian organizations have implemented protective measures that have thwarted any mass looting similar to what transpired in January, she insists.
Erin Kiley, director of international programs for Oxfam Canada, declared that the international organization had more than 3 million dollars worth of aid blocked in the region since the blockade was imposed in March. She condemned what she termed the militarization or privatization of aid distribution.
"These actions undermine international humanitarian law and set a precedent for occupying powers to dictate aid conditions based on political agendas and military objectives," Kiley stated at the press conference.
"What we're witnessing is not humanitarian aid; it's population displacement due to deprivation, and Canada should not allow its aid to be used in such a manner," Kiley added.
Humanitarian organizations contend that Ottawa has remained silent on the situation in the Gaza Strip since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French and British leaders published a joint statement threatening to impose "targeted sanctions" following Israel's new military offensive in the Palestinian enclave.
The May 19 statement was published on the same day Canada signed another joint statement with Australia, Japan, and many European countries accusing Israel of policies that cause "famine."
"Other countries have taken action by reviewing their commercial sanctions. Canada has not followed suit," noted Ahmad. She implored Ottawa to suspend trade with Israel, implement an arms embargo and sanctions, and reject the new aid distribution system.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand did not speak to reporters on Parliament Hill this week. Her office and ministry were contacted for response to these criticisms.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly was less responsive when asked about the federal government's silence on Thursday. "This is a significant issue. Clearly, it's a file handled by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs," replied the former Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Liberal MP Rob Oliphant, a former parliamentary secretary to MJoly when she held that post, suggested that Canada should promote dialogue rather than impose sanctions.
"For me, hard-line stances don't work in a situation like this. We must listen. We must understand the aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis," he said. "Canada should play a leading role in finding a solution for reconciliation and two states."
When asked about the absence of comments from the federal government since the May 19 joint statement, Mr. Oliphant said it was "a very firm statement."
- The Canadian government's apparent indifference towards the increasing threat of famine in the Gaza Strip is a cause for concern among humanitarian groups.
- Human Concern International, based in Ottawa, has halted aid deliveries to Gaza, alleging a politicized distribution system instituted by Israeli authorities.
- Medical personnel in the region report widespread injuries, including among children, and accuse Israel of failing to adequately minimize civilian casualties.
- Israeli soldiers have discharged warning shots near desperate crowds scrambling for food, and the new distribution system requires Palestinians to wait in enclosed spaces for aid, monitored by Israeli troops and American contractors.
- Humanitarian organizations argue that entrusting aid distribution to a warring party politicizes the process, especially when Israel only provides aid in the south, far from the northern areas of Gaza.
- The United Nations warns that Israel's restrictions on food aid in the territory foster despair and the risk of famine, with children in Gaza reportedly resorting to eating sand, leaves, and animal feed.
- Oxfam Canada has had more than 3 million dollars worth of aid blocked in the region since the blockade was imposed in March, and condemns the militarization or privatization of aid distribution.
- Humanitarian organizations contend that Ottawa has remained silent on the situation in the Gaza Strip, despite the publication of a joint statement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French and British leaders, threatening to impose "targeted sanctions" following Israel's new military offensive in the Palestinian enclave.
