Minister Hussen concludes trip to Egypt and Jordan

News release

February 23, 2024 - Amman, Jordan - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, has concluded a trip to Egypt and Jordan from February 19 to 22, 2024, that focused on Canada’s support for humanitarian and development programming in the region and provided him with the opportunity to hear first-hand about the devastating situation on the ground in Gaza. This included receiving an update directly from humanitarian workers operating in Gaza.

Minister Hussen met with various government officials and representatives of organizations and partners in Egypt and Jordan to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza and how to get more assistance to those in need. He reaffirmed Canada’s support to vulnerable civilians, including through the recent announcement of an additional $40 million in humanitarian assistance funding. This brought Canada’s total commitment to $100 million, making Canada the third-largest donor to the region since October 7, 2023.

Minister Hussen reiterated Canada’s steadfast calls for compliance with international humanitarian law and for the immediate release of all hostages. He also underscored Canada’s calls for a humanitarian ceasefire in order to protect civilians and to allow for far more assistance to reach Gazans.

Minister Hussen met with representatives of key humanitarian organizations and partners, including Save the Children, Humanity & Inclusion, Care Canada, the World Food Programme, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UNICEF, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Population Fund, and the UN Women and the World Health Organization, to discuss their work in Gaza and share concerns over humanitarian access and distribution of assistance.

In Egypt, Minister Hussen met with Nivine El Kabbag, Minister of Social Solidarity and Vice President of the Egyptian Red Crescent. They discussed the logistical challenges associated with delivering assistance into Gaza and the impact of the conflict on Egypt. Minister Hussen also had the opportunity to travel to Al-Arish and visit the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing to Gaza, where he observed the challenges related to humanitarian access and response coordination.

In Jordan, Minister Hussen saw Canada’s humanitarian supplies in Jordan being sent to Gaza through the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to address the urgent needs of Palestinians. He also visited Canada-funded project sites, including a public school and a daycare in Amman and solar and entrepreneurial farms in the Jordan Valley.

Quotes

“Partners are working tirelessly to respond to the needs of civilians in Gaza, but we have to do more as the situation is extremely dire. We need an immediate ceasefire. Canada, in coordination with like-minded countries, will continue to help Palestinian civilians. During my travels, I reinforced Canada’s commitment to providing assistance where it is needed in the region. I reaffirmed Canada’s unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, and our calls for the immediate release of those being held hostage. I also underscored our calls for all parties to protect civilians and to allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law.”

- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

Quick facts

  • Canada’s supplies in Jordan are from emergency stockpiles managed by the Canadian Red Cross that include blankets and hygiene kits.

  • Canada was one of the first countries in the world to support the humanitarian response for civilians in Gaza and will continue to do so going forward. 

Associated links

Contacts

Olivia Batten
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Olivia.Batten@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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