Canada increases calls for humanitarian access into Gaza

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) – As Israel readied Monday for the expected massive ground invasion of Gaza, Canada is increasing its calls for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the beleaguered Palestinians.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it is “essential to address the urgent needs of civilians,” and as well the rights of journalists and medics must be respected.

“Canadians and people around the world must be steadfast in our support for the protection of civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian,” Trudeau said in a statement Saturday.

On Sunday, Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly added her voice to Trudeau’s and called for a humanitarian corridor to get supplies into Gaza.

“There absolutely needs to be food, water and fuel going in to Gaza, because this is one of the worst places to be in the world right now,” Joly told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

The initiative gained momentum with several Liberal lawmakers voicing support for the corridor as well as calling for an easing of Israel’s military operations and blockade of aid to Gaza.

At the New Democrat Party convention in Hamilton, Ontario, on the weekend, delegates voted in favor of a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to Gaza, the CBC reported.

Canada continues to push for a deal that would allow Canadians and citizens of other countries to exit Gaza via the southern Rafah crossing.

“It's not just a matter of opening the gates of a border, there's a lot of circumstances and conditions that have to be lined up in order for that passage to be relatively safe,” said Alexandre Leveque of Global Affairs Canada.

“In order for all things to line up, Egyptian border authorities [and] Israeli border authorities need to have a plan, and agree on that,” he said.

On Monday, hopes for a ceasefire to allow aid into Gaza and foreigner visitors out took a hit when Israel continued to intensify bombing in preparation for the expected ground invasion. Israel also maintained its full blockade of Gaza.