Channel Canadian aid through UN agencies
Petitioners ask Canada to end militarized aid and channel aid to Gaza via UN agencies, restoring NGO access and safe entry for Canadian health workers. The government responds it urges full UN aid access.
Why we would sign this petition
- Channels aid through experienced UN/NGO networks, increasing the chance assistance reaches civilians quickly and in line with humanitarian principles.
- Restoring UN and NGO access and insisting on neutrality supports impartial, accountable delivery and aligns Canadian aid with international legal obligations.
- Allowing safe entry for Canadian health workers and withholding funds from non‑neutral models protects humanitarian integrity and prioritizes lifesaving services.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Pressing this stance could strain diplomatic channels with Israel and allies, potentially reducing Canada’s leverage on de‑escalation or negotiated solutions.
- Routing all aid through specified UN channels may slow or complicate urgent deliveries where UN capacity or access is limited.
- Withholding funding from some partners reduces operational flexibility and risks interrupting existing aid pipelines, which could delay lifesaving assistance.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons in Parliament Assembled to the following: Whereas: Under Common Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions, Canada is required to respect international humanitarian law; Under Article 59 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, Israel as an occupying power must allow and facilitate humanitarian aid by impartial organizations; Canada's own international Assistance Accountability Act requires that all Canadian foreign aid uphold human rights and international legal standards; and Israel's policy and actions violate all of these obligations. Therefore, we, the undersigned, Citizens and Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to: 1. Publicly and unequivocally reject the militarized aid model currently used in Palestine; 2. Demand the full restoration of access for UN agencies and established humanitarian NGOs, including UNRWA and the World Food Programme; 3. Insist on safe and immediate entry for Canadian healthcare workers and other international humanitarian personnel to Palestine; 4. Withhold Canadian funding from any entity or model that does not comply with principles of neutrality, impartiality, independence, and humanity; 5. Ensure that all Canadian aid to Gaza is delivered through internationally recognized humanitarian channels.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob Oliphant The Canadian government continues to strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Israel’s imposition of restrictions on aid, and any attempts to expand settlements in the West Bank. Through diplomatic channels and public statements, Canada continues to call on Israel for the full and unhindered resumption of United Nations-led humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza, at scale, and to strongly condemn the rising number of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire while attempting to access scarce aid since the introduction of Israel’s new aid distribution modality last May 2025. The protection of civilians is paramount. Canada has and will continue to urge Israel to protect civilians, including medical and humanitarian workers, as well as civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, and to ensure the continuity of medical services to the civilian population. The government has been vocal on all these messages Here are some recent examples. On May 19, 2025, the Prime Minister of Canada, along with the leaders of France and the United Kingdom, issued a public statement calling on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza, lift restrictions on humanitarian aid meant to enter Gaza, and engage with the United Nations to ensure a return to the delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles. In that statement, the Government of Canada condemned language used by members of the Israeli government threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate. The Government of Canada promised concrete actions if Israel did not cease the renewed military offensive, lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid. and cease the expansion of settlements. The Government also stated that permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law. On June 3, 2025, the Canadian government expressed shock at the deaths of Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza and called for the United Nations -led resumption of aid throughout Gaza. The government also expressed alarm at Israel’s evacuation of Al-Awda Hospital, the last operational medical facility in northern Gaza. Palestinians in Gaza must be able to access life-saving medical aid. On June 10, 2025, Canada announced sanctions and other measures targeting Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. These measures were taken in coordination with the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway, and are in response to the recent escalation of violence by Israeli extremist settlers and affiliates against Palestinian civilians and their property in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, contributing to insecurity for both Palestinians and Israelis. Settlements violate international law and undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state and, of a just and lasting peace through a two-state solution. On June 16, 2025, as G7 Chair, Canada led on a G7 Leaders’ statement that reiterated the importance of protecting civilians and the de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. And on June 26, 2025, Canada strongly condemned Israeli fire on Palestinian civilians seeking aid and called on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and allow United Nations -led humanitarian assistance to reach civilians throughout Gaza. Finally, on July 30, 2025, in response to the grave erosion of prospects for a two-state solution, Canada announced its intention to recognize Palestinian statehood. This decision was taken in concert with key allies, recognizing that there was no room for delay in coordinating international action to support peace, security, and the dignity of all human life. This intention is predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to much-needed reforms, including the commitments by Palestinian Authority President Abbas to fundamentally reform its governance, to hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state. Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism and honouring their innate desire for the peaceful co-existence of Israeli and Palestinian states as the only roadmap for a secure and prosperous future. Canada’s support for international humanitarian efforts will be facilitated by principled and experienced humanitarian actors to deliver international assistance in Gaza. Examples include the World Food Programme, the World Health Organisation, the Canadian Red Cross, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Canada is a longstanding supporter of the organization, which plays a critical role assisting Palestinians, particularly with their experienced staff working in education and healthcare. Canada has been vocal in support of the Agency, and on October 27, 2024, Canada led a statement with likeminded partner countries opposing Israel’s legislation against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East’s operations. Since October 7, 2023, Canada has allocated more than $355 million in international assistance to save lives and alleviate suffering for those affected by the conflict. Canada has a robust system in place to ensure that our funds go only to organizations that alleviate suffering by respecting humanitarian principles, upholding human rights and respecting international humanitarian law. The government’s due diligence mechanisms ensure the sound fiscal management of funds. Canada strongly supports United States, Egyptian, and Qatari efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal for Gaza. A ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, the resumption of impartial humanitarian aid flows, and good-faith negotiations to secure a permanent end to hostilities are the only way forward. A pathway towards a two-state solution is urgently needed.