Canada is gravely concerned by the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and by reports of a ground offensive into Rafah. A military operation into Rafah will have disastrous consequences. About 1.5 million Palestinians are taking refuge in the area. There is nowhere for them to go and limited access to aid.
Food security experts are warning that Gazans are already experiencing extreme famine. More help and sustained access to humanitarian assistance is needed to address the acute needs of civilians. The parties to armed conflict are required by international humanitarian law to allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need. A significant and immediate increase in deliveries of food, water and other essential supplies is urgently needed to address these deteriorating conditions.
Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced that Canada will provide $65 million in total funding for the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This includes $25 million in part of recurring payments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), previously announced in June 2023, as well as an additional $40 million distributed to UNWRA and to experienced and trusted partners in the region including the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) and other Canadian non-governmental organizations.
This funding will support the provision of food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance in the region.
Canada is also providing over $5 million in funding to the CRC. The CRC is using this funding to work with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society to improve the delivery of emergency medical services offered in the West Bank and Gaza, including through a mobile health clinic and field medical posts in the West Bank. In Gaza, supported mobile teams will provide emergency health care and health rehabilitation services to people with traumatic injuries and disabilities.
Canada's funding has also helped establish an International Committee of the Red Cross field hospital in Rafah, which is being supported by the CRC with surgical equipment, medicine and supplies, diagnostic equipment, disinfection materials and personnel.
Every avenue that will help deliver assistance into Gaza is critical and needs to be explored, which is why Canada is providing $5 million in development assistance funding to the United Nations Office for Project Support (UNOPS) to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2720, the coordination mechanism for Gaza. With this funding, UNOPS will establish a supply chain system to accelerate and direct humanitarian assistance into and throughout Gaza. Of this amount, $1 million will go to supporting the operation of the maritime corridor between Cyprus and Gaza. Canada has also supported the delivery of essential items through airdrops in collaboration with Jordan and the World Food Programme. Canada continues to advocate for more entry points, enhanced humanitarian access and a secure distribution of life-saving assistance in Gaza.
Minister Hussen also announced that Canada has delivered a payment of $25 million to the UNRWA as part of its previously announced existing multi-year commitment with the agency to help meet the education, health and social-safety-assistance needs of most Palestinian refugees in the region. The support will also help ensure that UNRWA continues to deliver lifesaving humanitarian assistance and essential services.
Canada is committed to ensuring full accountability, decisive action and the implementation of necessary reforms in the UNRWA. Canada expects all UN agencies to uphold the UN's policy of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms, as well as its value of neutrality. Canada expects UNRWA to take all needed steps to strengthen oversight, accountability and transparency. Canada has made its position clear to UNRWA and the UN. Canada expects all recommendations of the Independent Review Group, as well as all recommendations stemming from the Office of Internal Oversight Services investigation, to be fully and swiftly implemented. Canada will be monitoring progress closely and working with partners to pursue necessary reforms.
Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas, a listed terrorist organization, for its attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and continues to demand the immediate and unconditional release of hostages. Canada reiterates the urgent need for an immediate and sustained ceasefire. The timely and unimpeded passage of essential relief is critical for it to reach those in need. International humanitarian law must be upheld at all times.
Canada is committed to a 2-state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in peace and security, with dignity and without fear.
