Lift Gaza blockade

AI summary

Petitioners ask the House of Commons to press for immediate lifting of Gaza’s blockade and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. The government responds that it is urging unimpeded UN-led aid access and increased diplomatic efforts.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the House of Commons The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels; The United Nations and humanitarian organizations report that famine conditions are already occurring, with thousands of children suffering from acute malnutrition; Civilian infrastructure has been destroyed, and humanitarian aid is severely restricted by ongoing blockades; The people of Gaza are facing starvation, illness, and displacement at an unprecedented scale; and Canada has a moral and legal responsibility to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilians by calling for immediate action. We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commonsto apply diplomatic and economic pressure to urge an immediate lifting of the blockade and to ensure the swift and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Parliamentary Secretary Rob Oliphant While the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan’s initial phase has brought a measure of relief, Canada remains deeply concerned by the enduring humanitarian situation and the continued restrictions on aid delivery, and by the fact that hundreds have been killed in hostilities since October 2025 despite the ceasefire. This situation is unsustainable, and Canada has been working closely with allies to support the full implementation of the 20-point peace plan, including provisions regarding the entry and distribution of aid without interference. The ongoing restrictions on humanitarian access imposed by Israel, including the denial of essential items into Gaza under so-called “dual use” restrictions, remains of topmost concern. Through diplomatic channels and public statements, Canada continues to call on Israel to allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded access of United Nations-led humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza, in line with obligations under International Humanitarian Law. Canada is also concerned by Israel’s re-registration requirements for international non-governmental organizations, which impede their operations and further undermines the lifelines that sustain millions of Palestinians. Canada continues to call for United Nations agencies and international non-governmental organizations to be able to operate in Gaza in a sustained and predictable way. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. Canada has and will continue to urge all parties—including 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. Canada has been clear that all parties must fully adhere to international law. The government continues to advocate for these changes. Recent examples include: On June 15, 2026, Canada delivered a statement at the Human Rights Council’s Interactive Dialogue with the United Nations ‘Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel’ which called for the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. On June 10, 2026, Canada delivered a statement at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on advancing peace in the Middle East. The statement called for greater humanitarian access into Gaza and it reiterated Canada’s opposition to Israel’s failure to approve the re-registration of international non-government organizations. On April 28, 2026, Canada delivered a statement at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East including the Palestinian Question. Canada’s statement denounced the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated that humanitarian aid is not an option—it is an obligation. On February 26, 2026, Canada delivered a statement at the Human Rights Council Interactive Dialogue on the Human Rights Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It reiterated deep concern over developments in Gaza, including food insecurity and denial of health services, and called on Israel to reverse its de-registration policy for international non-governmental organizations and to facilitate humanitarian access into Gaza. On January 28, 2026, Canada published along with other likeminded (Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom) a statement in support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. On January 28, 2026, Canada delivered a statement during the United Nations Security Council Open debate on The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, which said “the deregistration by Israel of key international non-governmental organizations has further undermined the lifelines that sustain millions of Palestinians. Canada continues to call for the increase of humanitarian assistance and reiterate that United Nations agencies and international non-governmental organizations must be able to operate in Gaza in a sustained and predictable way.” On December 30, 2025, Canada published along with likeminded (the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland) a joint statement on the Gaza humanitarian response, which addressed the international non-governmental organizations registration issue and called on Israel to ensure that international non-governmental organizations can operate. Canada has also taken significant action to support humanitarian relief in Palestine, uphold international humanitarian law, and to lay the foundations for long-term peace and stability by supporting the development of institutions and socio-economic conditions necessary for a viable Two-State Solution. On June 12, 2026, Canada announced an additional $100 million to Palestine to address urgent lifesaving needs, mitigate the risk of unexploded ordnance and advance stabilization efforts. With this funding, Canada has now committed more than $500 million in international assistance in response to the humanitarian crisis in Palestine since October 2023. This includes over $355 million in humanitarian assistance to experienced United Nations, Red Cross and non-government organisation partners with the necessary capacity to respond on the ground. In partnership with the United Kingdom and Australia, on June 11, 2026, Canada also announced a new International Peace Fund for Israelis and Palestinians, a multi-donor initiative that will bring communities together, rebuild trust, and support progress toward a Two-State Solution—including by fostering dialogue among young people. 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. Canada has also deployed civilian and military representatives to the Civil-Military Coordination Center established to monitor ceasefire implementation and advance efforts under the Gaza Peace Plan. Canadian officials will continue to work with counterparts to support the scale up of United Nations-led humanitarian assistance, in line with humanitarian principles. Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, which took the lives of nearly 1,200 people, including Canadians. Canada also condemns the 249 reported cases of execution and violence by Hamas and other groups in Gaza since 2024. Political negotiations must lead to Hamas’—a listed terrorist entity—disarmament and permanent removal from governance in Gaza. Canada will continue to support the Palestinian Authority’s reform agenda so that it can play a role in governing Gaza. The Palestinian-led National Committee for the Administration of Gaza should be empowered to assume its interim governance role and to support the delivery of essential services throughout Gaza. Canada remains firmly committed to a Two-State Solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace, security, and dignity. Canada’s efforts in the region will continue to focus on laying the foundations for this outcome. Canada calls on the parties to fully uphold the ceasefire and engage in the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan. Canada will continue to advocate for all parties to continue to engage constructively in negotiations to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement.