Urgent: Gaza Under Siege – Time to End Israeli Aggression

Since October 7th, 2023, Gaza has endured relentless and indiscriminate bombardment by Israeli military forces, resulting in the killings of over 15,000 Palestinian lives, including more than 6,000 children. The unprecedented situation has reached a critical point, with Gaza's infrastructure, hospitals, and shelters targeted. This unyielding aggression calls for urgent attention and coordinated efforts, especially from the Canadian government, to secure a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis. Canada, bound by its obligations under international law and as a member of the United Nations, holds a crucial role in advocating for the immediate cessation of hostilities and ensuring the protection of civilian lives in Gaza.

Given the nature of the ongoing crisis, it is challenging for human rights groups to stay updated with the rapidly changing situation. While it is impossible to describe the suffering of Palestinian civilians, below represents a summary of the devastating civilian and institutional toll emerging from the regions of Gaza and the Occupied West Bank.

MEDICAL STAFF

Hundreds of medical staff have been killed or injured.

JOURNALISTS

49 Journalists were killed.

CIVILIANS

Thousands of Palestinian families, women and children have been killed in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank.

MASS DISPLACEMENT

1,650,000 Palestinians have been forcefully displaced from their homes.

PROPERTY DESTRUCTION

55,200 units have been completely destroyed, 160,700 partially destroyed, 231 schools damaged, 75 mosques damaged, 3 churches damaged.

MEDICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

21 out of 35 hospitals are out of service, 87 ambulances have been damaged.

UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY (UNRWA)

103 UNRWA workers have been killed.

How You Can Help to Amplify Your Impact: Stand For Ceasefire!

Take Action Now—These initiatives prepared by Justice for All Canada are opportunities to lend your solidarity to Palestinians, condemn the ongoing crimes against humanity committed by Israel, and demand action from Canada. Holding onto hope is not just essential; it is an act of resilience. Our persistent engagement in these targeted actions exerts sustained pressure on the Canadian government required to reshape policies and narratives. Participate to address the humanitarian crisis and prevent further acts of genocide.

Immediate Ceasefire Advocacy

Influence federal leaders, letting them know Canadians demand an immediate ceasefire. Our collective actions can contribute to diplomatic efforts and humanitarian relief on behalf of Palestinians.

Urgent Diplomatic Appeal

Convey your concerns through written and social media appeals. Emphasize the urgency of halting the genocide in Gaza.

Email Canada at the UN

Tweet Canada’s UN Ambassador

Local Support

Demonstrate appreciation to relevant local entities and express support for critical local causes, such as the reinstatement of community leaders and professionals unfairly dismissed from their positions for exercising free speech.

Reinstate CTV Journalist

Reinstate Western University Chaplain

Reinstate Global News Journalist

Israel: An Apartheid State

In 2022, human rights groups and experts formally implicated Israel as being responsible for committing the crime of apartheid against the people of Palestine in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Amnesty defines apartheid as “inhumane acts carried out in an institutionalized regime that systematically oppresses and dominates one racial group over another.” The crimes against humanity experienced by Palestinians are prohibited under the Apartheid Convention, the Rome Statute, including other customary international human rights laws. The Canadian government has not acknowledged these reports, nor has it ever acknowledged or condemned Israel’s cruel system of dominance over the Palestinian people.

Israel's apartheid policies in the occupied region have resulted in severe human rights violations:

ISOLATION

Through mechanisms of confining and concentrating, Israel has created isolation in Palestinian communities, restricting their movement and connection.

FRAGMENTATION

The imposition of laws and policies has deliberately fractured the collective identity of Palestinians, politically and territorially.

DISPOSSESSION

Israeli forces have illegally seized properties, demolished homes, and forcibly evicted Palestinian homeowners, leading to widespread dispossession.

SEGREGATION

Systemic separation enforced by Israel perpetuates discrimination and fosters sense of inferiority among Palestinians.

OPPRESSION

The events of May 2021 reflect longstanding discrimination, repression of dissent, use of force, prioritizing interests of Jewish Israelis at the expense of Palestinians.

DOMINATION

Israel's policies explicitly aim to maximize Jewish control over land, establishing system of domination that exacerbates disparities between communities.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGAL SYSTEM

Israel's legal system in the occupied territories imposes discriminatory practices, treating Palestinians differently than Jewish settlers.

UNEQUAL RESOURCE ALLOCATION

Unequal distribution of resources, such as water and infrastructure development, disproportionately favours Israeli settlements while neglecting Palestinian communities.

EDUCATION RESTRICTIONS

Palestinians face restrictions on access to education, with disparities in funding, quality, and opportunities compared to Israeli citizens.

LIMITED FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT

Palestinians often encounter restrictions on freedom of movement, including checkpoints, barriers, and segregated roads hindering daily life.

LAND CONFISCATION

Ongoing land confiscation and expansion of Israeli settlements contribute to displacement of Palestinian communities, exacerbating the apartheid-like conditions.

ARBITRARY DETENTION

Palestinians, including children, often face arbitrary arrests and detentions, with a legal system devoid of process and fair trials.