Canada airdrops humanitarian aid to Gaza amid plans to recognize Palestinian state

Al Arabiya

2 days ago

Canada delivered more than 21,600 pounds of humanitarian aid to Gaza via military airdrop this week, as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares to announce his country's recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations next month.
The Canadian Armed Forces deployed a CC-130J Hercules aircraft to conduct the operation on Sunday, delivering critical supplies to Palestinians facing what officials described as 'unprecedented' humanitarian needs in the war-torn territory.
The airdrop comes as Canada intensifies diplomatic pressure on Israel over Gaza access restrictions, with Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Defense Minister David McGuinty condemning Israeli government obstruction of humanitarian aid as a violation of international law.
'Despite the scale of need, humanitarian partners face severe challenges in delivering life-saving food and medical assistance by land due to ongoing restrictions imposed by the Israeli government,' the ministers said in a joint statement.
Canada's latest aid delivery follows Carney's announcement last week that the country plans to join several others, including France and Britain, in recognizing Palestinian statehood at a UN meeting in September. The Prime Minister cited the deteriorating situation in Gaza, including widespread starvation, as a driving factor behind the decision.
'Canada condemns the fact that the Israeli government has allowed a catastrophe to unfold in Gaza,' Carney said, drawing rebukes from both Israel and the United States, Israel's closest ally.
The humanitarian operation was coordinated through Jordan, which Canada thanked for facilitating the aid delivery. Officials said the airdrop measures became necessary due to severely restricted ground access to the Palestinian territory.
Last week, Minister Anand announced $30 million in new funding to address Palestinian humanitarian needs in Gaza and the West Bank, along with an additional $10 million to support the Palestinian Authority's governance role. The funding will support logistical operations along the Jordanian Corridor and scale up deliveries through UN and Red Cross partners.
Since October 7, 2023, Canada has committed more than $355 million in international assistance for Palestinian civilians, including $99 million announced in March 2025 and $50 million pledged in November 2024.
Canada maintains that a two-state solution remains 'the only viable pathway to a just and lasting peace,' with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in security. The government said it would continue working with international partners to promote regional peace and stability.
The Canadian Armed Forces said it stands ready to conduct additional humanitarian operations as directed by the government.