OTTAWA — The Government of Canada issued its strongest condemnation yet of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, warning that continued operations, the denial of humanitarian aid, and inflammatory rhetoric from Israeli officials risk breaching international humanitarian law and could trigger further Canadian sanctions.
“The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” the statement read. “Israel must immediately stop its military operations and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.”
The May 19 statement called Israel’s recent allowance of a limited amount of food into Gaza “wholly inadequate,” and demanded full cooperation with the United Nations to restore aid delivery “in line with humanitarian principles.”
While Canada reaffirmed its condemnation of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and Israel’s right to self-defence, the government called the renewed Israeli offensive in Gaza “wholly disproportionate.” The statement further denounced recent comments by Israeli officials regarding forced relocation of Gaza civilians, warning that permanent forced displacement constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.
“We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions,” the government warned. “If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.”
Canada also condemned any expansion of settlements in the West Bank, calling them illegal and a direct threat to a viable two-state solution. The government stated it is prepared to impose targeted sanctions if settlement activity continues.
Support for Ceasefire and Diplomatic Resolution
Canada expressed strong support for ongoing U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian-led negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all remaining hostages. The government endorsed the objectives of the June 18 Two-State Solution Conference in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, as a diplomatic path forward.
“It is a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, and a long-term political solution that offer the best hope of ending the agony… and achieving a pathway to a two-state solution.”
Canada pledged continued coordination with the Palestinian Authority, regional Arab partners, the United States, and Israel to establish future governance arrangements for Gaza, building on the Arab peace plan.
The statement concluded with a formal declaration of Canada’s readiness to recognize a Palestinian state as a contribution to a two-state solution and long-term peace.
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