Total Blockade on Gaza: Ignored Calls for Ceasefire
October 9th, 2023
As renewed violence enters its third day in Israel and Gaza, Justice For All Canada calls on the Canadian government to work with allies to outline a clear path toward peace. Recent attacks have resulted in over 800 Israeli casualties and 100 prisoners and hostages. Israel has responded with a series of airstrikes, killing 560 Palestinians. According to Defense for Children Palestine, 91 children in Gaza, including entire families, have been killed in the Israeli military offensive since Saturday morning.
“Despite calls for a ceasefire from the United Nations and human rights groups, Canada has not issued one. Canada’s expression of "full support" for Israel is a tacit endorsement of more atrocities to occur,” warned Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his country is embarking on a protracted conflict, including a ground invasion with sustained attacks from land and sea. Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has announced a total blockade of Gaza, including the suspension of electricity and the obstruction of food and fuel shipments. Gallant further used dehumanizing and racist language to describe Palestinians as 'human animals.'
We express profound outrage over the continued and indiscriminate targeting of civilians and combatants alike. Over the past two nights, airstrikes have claimed the lives of entire Palestinian families in their homes while they slept. On Monday, an attack on Jabalia refugee camp resulted in the deaths of at least 50 individuals. Multiple residential towers, ambulances, and even a UN school sheltering displaced families have been directly hit.
The Fourth Geneva Conventions mandate that all parties involved, including Israel and Hamas, allow civilians to evacuate conflict zones and enable the delivery of humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, to trapped civilians. In light of this, the UN World Food Programme has called for establishing humanitarian corridors to provide essential food supplies to Gaza in the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes.
Nature of Occupation
Such ongoing violence emanates from the deeply entrenched occupation by Israel in Palestinian territories, which has led to a complex and protracted struggle for self-determination. This occupation has resulted in severe restrictions on the daily lives of Palestinians, including limitations on movement, access to resources, and economic opportunities, causing frustration and grievances among the Palestinian people. These conditions have contributed to their right to resistance, causing Israel to respond with military force, ultimately creating a volatile situation. As Israel's determination to retaliate intensifies, we urge Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to seek clarity on the country’s ultimate objectives. The Canadian government should consult with human rights experts who have nuanced perspectives and encourage both sides to find a viable alternative to violence.
Take Action
As renewed violence enters its third day in Israel and Gaza, Justice For All Canada calls on the Canadian government to work with allies to outline a clear path toward peace. Recent attacks have resulted in over 800 Israeli casualties and 100 prisoners and hostages. Israel has responded with a series of airstrikes, killing 560 Palestinians. According to Defense for Children Palestine, 91 children in Gaza, including entire families, have been killed in the Israeli military offensive since Saturday morning.
“Despite calls for a ceasefire from the United Nations and human rights groups, Canada has not issued one. Canada’s expression of "full support" for Israel is a tacit endorsement of more atrocities to occur,” warned Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his country is embarking on a protracted conflict, including a ground invasion with sustained attacks from land and sea. Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has announced a total blockade of Gaza, including the suspension of electricity and the obstruction of food and fuel shipments. Gallant further used dehumanizing and racist language to describe Palestinians as 'human animals.'
We express profound outrage over the continued and indiscriminate targeting of civilians and combatants alike. Over the past two nights, airstrikes have claimed the lives of entire Palestinian families in their homes while they slept. On Monday, an attack on Jabalia refugee camp resulted in the deaths of at least 50 individuals. Multiple residential towers, ambulances, and even a UN school sheltering displaced families have been directly hit.
The Fourth Geneva Conventions mandate that all parties involved, including Israel and Hamas, allow civilians to evacuate conflict zones and enable the delivery of humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, to trapped civilians. In light of this, the UN World Food Programme has called for establishing humanitarian corridors to provide essential food supplies to Gaza in the aftermath of Israeli airstrikes.
Nature of Occupation
Such ongoing violence emanates from the deeply entrenched occupation by Israel in Palestinian territories, which has led to a complex and protracted struggle for self-determination. This occupation has resulted in severe restrictions on the daily lives of Palestinians, including limitations on movement, access to resources, and economic opportunities, causing frustration and grievances among the Palestinian people. These conditions have contributed to their right to resistance, causing Israel to respond with military force, ultimately creating a volatile situation. As Israel's determination to retaliate intensifies, we urge Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to seek clarity on the country’s ultimate objectives. The Canadian government should consult with human rights experts who have nuanced perspectives and encourage both sides to find a viable alternative to violence.
Take Action
- Send a prepared email to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, urging the Canadian government to support a ceasefire. https://justiceforallcanada.org/palestine
- Use our 1-click calling tool and prepared script to share your concerns with the office of Prime Minister Trudeau. https://www.justiceforallcanada.org/gaza-ceasefire.html