Canada slams Israel over Gaza aid blockade, urges global control of relief
'Israel's control of aid distribution must be replaced by comprehensive provision of humanitarian assistance led by international organizations,' Carney said in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.
He noted that several global agencies currently hold 'significant Canadian-funded aid' that remains blocked from reaching starving civilians.
Carney asserted that the continued obstruction of humanitarian access constitutes 'a violation of international law,' and called on Israel to relinquish its hold on aid routes.
The remarks come amid growing international alarm over worsening hunger, disease, and displacement across Gaza due to the months-long Israeli blockade.
The Canadian leader also urged all parties to commit to a negotiated ceasefire 'in good faith,' reiterating his government's demand for Hamas to release all hostages and for Israel to respect the territorial integrity of both Gaza and the West Bank.
'Canada supports a two-state solution which guarantees peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians,' Carney affirmed.
He added that Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand will represent Ottawa at the upcoming UN High-Level Conference on a Two-State Solution, scheduled to take place in New York next week.
Israel's blockade on Gaza, now entering its ninth month, has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian organizations. UN officials and aid groups warn that the restricted flow of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies is worsening the humanitarian disaster in the besieged territory, home to over two million Palestinians. — Agencies
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
French university rejects Gaza student over ‘hateful' online posts
LILLE, France: A top French university said Wednesday it canceled the enrolment of a woman student from Gaza because of her social media posts that the country's interior ministry called 'hateful.' Authorities did not release the content of the messages but screenshots shown on social media indicated the young woman had reposted messages calling for the death of Jewish people. Israel is seeking to crush the Islamist militant movement Hamas through a devastating offensive in Gaza after the group launched deadly attacks on Israel in 2023. The woman had been offered a place at the Sciences Po Lille university following a recommendation by the French consulate in Jerusalem, the establishment said. Sciences Po Lille said that after consultations with the education ministry and regional authorities it 'has decided to cancel this student's planned registration at our establishment.' Some of the posts 'come into direct contradiction with the values upheld by Sciences Po Lille, which fights against all forms of racism, antisemitism and discrimination, as well as against any type of incitement to hatred, against any population whatsoever,' the university added in a post on X. Accounts in the woman's name have been closed. Following the recommendation by French diplomats, the woman initially lived at the home of the university's director while she waited for permanent lodgings, Sciences Po said. French ministers have demanded an investigation into the case. 'A Gazan student making antisemitic remarks has no place in France,' said Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who added that he had ordered an internal inquiry. 'The screening carried out by the relevant departments of the ministries concerned clearly did not work,' he added in a post on X. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said he had demanded the closure of the 'hateful' account and ordered local authorities to take legal action. 'Hamas propagandists have no place in our country,' Retailleau said on X.
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Countries should act unilaterally in recognizing Palestine
In the tangled web of geopolitics and moral responsibility, recognition of Palestine stands today not merely as a diplomatic choice, but as a litmus test of integrity, courage, and commitment to global justice. As the world watches yet another cycle of suffering unfold, it is time to call out the procrastinators, praise the bold, and demand that the international community act unilaterally in embracing the two-state solution — starting with the immediate recognition of Palestine. The UK's recent stance — threatening to recognize Palestine if Israel fails to meet certain conditions — encapsulates the paradox of delayed justice. 'Too little, too late' is apt for a nation that played a pivotal role in creating the current geopolitical landscape. Yet, 'better late than never' is equally valid if London finally chooses to right historical wrongs. Former colonial powers such as Britain and France share a legacy of deep entanglement in the Middle East, and the latter's courageous move to recognize Palestine deserves both praise and emulation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns that recognition of Palestine equates to rewarding Hamas — a curious argument, given that his government's long-term policies over more than 16 years have emboldened the very group he now seeks to vilify. Netanyahu's devious support for Hamas is well-documented. 'For years, Netanyahu propped up Hamas. Now it's blown up in our faces,' read a headline in The Times of Israel in the immediate aftermath of the horrible Oct. 7 attacks. In 2019, the Israeli leader reportedly said: 'Those who want to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state should support the strengthening of Hamas.' Peace, prosperity, and progress are within reach. Faisal J. Abbas | Editor-in-Chief Recognition is not about legitimizing terrorism. It is about affirming the rights of millions of Palestinians who have nothing to do with Hamas, and have endured statelessness, displacement, and daily suffering. It is about offering a framework for peace that includes Israelis, who also deserve security and stability. Not to mention ending the illegal occupation of Palestinian lands, as stipulated by the UN — an organization Israel is a member of but does not seem to respect. Whether Netanyahu and his coalition of far-right nationalists accept it or not, the two-state solution remains Israel's safest path forward — both in terms of regional normalization and long-term peace. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly signaled that full normalization is contingent upon the creation of a Palestinian state. The Arab and Muslim worlds are prepared to integrate Israel into a region brimming with economic potential and strategic value. Peace, prosperity, and progress are within reach — if only the leadership dares grasp it. Sadly, many in Israel's current ruling elite remain ideologically opposed to any peaceful settlement. These are individuals who have overseen West Bank annexations, weaponized hunger, and now face accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Their worldview is not anchored in coexistence; it thrives on perpetual conflict and expansionism. For them, any compromise — even one that could save lives — is tantamount to betrayal. Let us not forget that these are elected officials who have, without remorse, described the people of Gaza as 'human animals,' called for nuclear strikes, and openly encouraged mass displacement. When such rhetoric becomes policy, and cruelty is cloaked in nationalism, the moral compass of governance is not just broken — it is weaponized. This is no longer about diplomacy — it is about justice. Faisal J. Abbas | Editor-in-Chief That is why the global community, especially nations untainted by historical baggage, must act. A coalition spearheaded by Saudi Arabia and France, embracing the two-state solution through unilateral recognition of Palestine, is the only viable path forward. Waiting for consensus or negotiating around extremists only prolongs the suffering. This is no longer about diplomacy — it is about justice. Now, more than ever, the stars seem aligned. Hamas and Hezbollah are weakened. Iran is notably quiet. We have a US president who is focused on negotiating peace deals between Ukraine and Russia, India and Pakistan, and Thailand and Cambodia. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman happens to be leading Saudi Arabia and has emerged as a pragmatic regional leader with transformative ambitions. This is a historic window to reimagine the Middle East not as a perennial battleground, but as the next Europe — a region of stability, trade, cooperation, and cultural exchange. In the end, recognition of Palestine is not an act of defiance; it is a pledge to uphold human dignity. It is a call to end decades of suffering, and a step toward a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live not just side by side, but as equal partners in peace. History won't wait. Neither should we.
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
UN expert on torture demands end to ‘lethal, inhumane, degrading' starvation of civilians in Gaza
NEW YORK CITY: The UN's special rapporteur on torture, Alice Jill Edwards, on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the growing number of starvation-related deaths among Palestinians in Gaza. She described the starving of civilians as 'lethal, inhumane and degrading,' and called for the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the battered enclave. 'Depriving people of food, water and dignity has been a serious and recurring violation of this war and it must end,' she said, citing 'shocking' reports of people being killed while queuing for food, as well as widespread hunger and malnutrition. The risk of all-out famine in Gaza is escalating, she added, stressing that all parties to the conflict have legal obligations under international law to ensure civilians under their control have access to food and water, and to facilitate humanitarian operations. 'They must not steal, divert or willfully impede the distribution of aid,' Edwards said. She detailed the 'catastrophic physiological consequences' of prolonged calorie deprivation, including malnutrition, organ failure and death, particularly among vulnerable groups such as infants and pregnant women. 'The psychological impact of being deprived of food and water is inherently cruel,' she added. 'Constantly changing rules, militarized distributions and daily and hourly uncertainty about when one is going to access these basic necessities is causing utter despair, stress and trauma.' She welcomed a recent announcement by Israel of humanitarian pauses in military operations to allow the World Food Programme to deliver aid throughout Gaza over a planned three-month period, but said 'more must be done' to end the hostilities and establish long-term peace based on a two-state solution. 'No one should have to suffer the humiliation of being forced to beg for food, and especially not when there are ample supplies waiting to be provided,' she said. Edwards also reiterated her call for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages, the release of arbitrarily detained Palestinians, and for independent investigations into allegations of torture, ill-treatment and other potential war crimes by all parties. She said she has raised her concerns repeatedly with relevant authorities and continues to press for full accountability. Special rapporteurs are part of what is known as the special procedures of the UN Human Rights Council. They are independent experts who work on a voluntary basis, are not members of UN staff and are not paid for their work.
