e-4802: Government Response

Dateline: May 22nd, 2024
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Response by the Minister of International Development

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Aniita Vandenbeld

“Canada is deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and its impact on the civilian population, which has been internally displaced multiple times and is unable to meet its most basic survival needs.

“Officials are following reports of imminent famine in Northern Gaza and food insecurity across the Strip. Canada continues to advocate for more trucks to be allowed into Gaza and for more entry points to be opened. Canada was the first G7 country to provide support to Gaza after October 7, 2023, and is one of the world’s largest donors of assistance to address the current crisis. Canada has announced $100 million in humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis, including a matching fund of $13,7 million that leveraged the generosity of Canadians.

“Canada also has a firm and consistent track record when it comes to advocating for the protection of civilians in armed conflict, promoting and protecting international humanitarian law, and reinforcing refugee protection, including for Palestinian refugees via UNRWA.  Canada has strongly called all parties to the conflict to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law. The Government of Canada will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that Canadian funds do not go into the hands of Hamas.

“On March 8, 2024, Canada has resumed its funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), given the urgent humanitarian situation in Gaza and the significant processes taken to address allegations and reinforce zero tolerance against terrorism within the United Nations (UN) and UNRWA. The decision was based on confidence in the ongoing investigation and review processes; a satisfactory briefing by the UN Secretary General on the interim report of the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), and the rigour of the independent review led by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. UNRWA had already taken immediate steps to strengthen oversight, accountability, and transparency.

“Recognizing UNRWA’s critical role and the reliance of other aid organizations on UNRWA’s experience, infrastructure, and logistical capabilities, and also recognizing the critical and worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, Canada judged that the lifting its pause on UNRWA was well-advised and opportune. As the first country to re-instate funding to UNRWA after having paused, Canada was able to demonstrate leadership in the sphere of humanitarian assistance; several other donors who had paused followed suit. Canada continues to take action to respond to the crisis, including by being a vocal advocate for UNRWA.

“Since March 8, 2024, a number of donors that had previously suspended their funding have since lifted their pause. The list as of May 2, 2024, includes: Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden.

“Canada has welcomed the final report of the Independent Review Group. We will be closely reviewing the findings and recommendations and will work with fellow donors, the UN and UNRWA to ensure that all recommendations are fully implemented, and the principle of neutrality is fully respected in UNRWA activities.

“Canada is calling for a lasting and sustainable ceasefire. Humanitarian assistance must be able to reach civilians in need. The Government of Canada has reiterated that any ceasefire cannot be one-sided. Hamas must lay down its arms and all hostages must be released. Canada remains firmly committed to a two-state solution. Canada’s position is that there needs to be return to a framework that can best guarantee sustainable peace and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians.”