Canada's toolkit for peace in Gaza

Despite a ceasefire, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical. Sufficient amounts of essential humanitarian aid are still not entering Gaza, including food, water, fuel, blankets, and medical supplies. Israeli authorities continue to obstruct the entry of aid in Gaza by closing many crossings, and rejecting cargo entries, including shipments of food. Malnutrition remains a serious threat, and nearly the entire population of Gaza is living in rubble and in need of emergency shelter, as more than 8 in 10 buildings in Gaza are damaged or destroyed. Violence continues.

MCC is working with local partners in Gaza, who tell us about the incredible challenges they face in their work.

In the West Bank violence is increasing as well, and over 32,000 Palestinians have been forcibly removed from their homes and land in 2025 alone, with tens of thousands more facing imminent risk under new Israeli plans for settlements.

Based on the work of our partners, MCC is joining with hundreds of other humanitarian organizations to raise the alarm at the immense level of human-caused suffering and to demand action from our governments.

Canada can act. By working together diplomatically with other countries we can act boldly and cooperatively and take a decisive stand for the human rights to life, dignity and flourishing shared by all. 

Some significant tools that Canada can continue to use are:

• Diplomacy. Canada can use our diplomatic power to pressure all parties to continue to uphold the ceasefire conditions, and work towards next steps to achieve permanent solutions, including a Palestinian- led plan to rebuild Gaza.
• Push for access to humanitarian aid. Canada can continue to press Israel to allow the entry of sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza, and to protect the role of humanitarian agencies to safely and fairly deliver aid and essential services in Gaza.
• Uphold our commitment to accountability and international law. Canada can continue to respect the decisions made by the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. Canada can hold Israel and all armed actors accountable for violations of these laws. We must also ensure that our own actions and policies abide by international law. This includes Canada’s obligations under the Genocide Convention to prevent genocide and to hold accountable through legal means those who are found guilty of committing genocide.
• Ensure that no Canadian weapons or weapons parts are being used in ways that violate international law. Canada can make sure that we are not contributing to this conflict by allowing either direct or indirect weapons exports to any armed actors, including state actors like Israel. You can send a letter here to support a new bill that aims to do exactly that.
• Work toward a long-term and sustainable solution for peace in Palestine and Israel. Canada can clearly support an end to the illegal Israeli military occupation and illegal settlements, and the establishment of conditions that will allow for peace, justice and human flourishing for all people. We encourage continued support for local peacebuilders, like MCC partners – both Palestinian and Israeli – who play a vital role in this current moment.

Join us in asking the Canadian government to act for peace by sending the letter below to the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and other leaders.