Ottawa - The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, and the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced today that Canada is responding to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
"Canada remains deeply concerned by the conflict and is committed to helping the innocent civilians affected by the violence in Gaza," said Minister Oda.
The Government of Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will contribute $4 million of which $3 million will go to support a United Nations appeal to meet urgent needs such as food, shelter and medical materials.
Canada will also contribute $1 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has an established presence in the region. With Canada’s support, the ICRC will continue to provide food, essential water, and sanitation services, including the rehabilitation of water treatment sources that will attempt to reach 400,000 Palestinians. Canada’s funding will not go to the Hamas, which is a listed terrorist organization in Canada.
Canada is prepared to add to this support as the situation develops, and as humanitarian needs as well as access to beneficiaries by humanitarian organizations evolve.
"The conditions in Gaza are very concerning," said Minister Cannon. "Canada urges all efforts to allow safe and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance. We commend Israel's decision to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance through a temporary ceasefire."
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Information:
Michelle Coates
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
