Ottawa has escalated its condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, expressing alarm over what it described as “appalling conditions” and increasing civilian suffering due to restrictions on humanitarian aid. In one of its sharpest rebukes to date, Global Affairs Canada’s development branch issued a late-night statement Tuesday calling for the immediate restoration of UN-led aid efforts and protection for medical facilities under threat.
“Canada is deeply alarmed by reports of mass deaths and injuries of Palestinians, as well as ongoing scenes of chaos and appalling conditions as people in Gaza attempt to access limited aid,” the post read, signaling a marked shift in tone from previous diplomatic messaging.
The statement also denounced reports of a possible evacuation order for Al-Awda Hospital, the last remaining medical centre in northern Gaza. “The absence of medical care is unacceptable,” it declared, urging Israel to safeguard hospitals and maintain essential medical services for civilians.
These comments come amid mounting reports of deadly chaos at aid distribution points, exacerbated by Israel’s decision to replace UN-led humanitarian networks with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — a distribution system it backs jointly with the United States. While Israel claims this new framework prevents Hamas from intercepting supplies, aid groups argue it has only worsened an already dire situation, with Ottawa-based Human Concern International halting 17 planned aid trucks over safety concerns.
Israel’s Ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, responded by defending the foundation’s operations and repeating accusations that Hamas continues to divert aid. He also placed blame for the deteriorating humanitarian situation squarely on the militant group, stating Hamas endangers both Palestinian and Israeli lives.
The Canadian government continues to call for the release of the 58 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 2023 attack but avoided naming the group directly in Tuesday’s statement. Meanwhile, Israel’s ban on independent foreign journalists in Gaza without military accompaniment has left the international community relying heavily on conflicting accounts from both sides.
Federal Liberals, including MP Randeep Sarai, have recently faced growing pressure from human rights advocates to take tougher action. Sarai, secretary of state for international development, stated this week that Palestinians are facing “profoundly disturbing” levels of hunger and must be treated with dignity. Critics have pointed to Ottawa’s delay in following through on threats of targeted sanctions against Israel as the humanitarian crisis deepens and famine warnings multiply.
As international calls grow louder for an impartial and effective aid delivery system in Gaza, Canada’s latest remarks suggest the government may be reaching a turning point in its approach to the crisis — one that could test diplomatic ties with Israel while trying to uphold its humanitarian commitments.