Deliver Canadian aid through UN channels
Petitioners ask Parliament to channel aid to Gaza through UN and humanitarian NGOs, restore their access, allow Canadian health workers' entry, and withhold funds from non‑neutral actors. The government responds it urges unimpeded UN access.
Why we would sign this petition
- Channels aid through established UN/NGO systems to improve predictability and reach for lifesaving supplies in Gaza.
- Emphasizes humanitarian principles and the safety of medical and humanitarian personnel by insisting on neutral, impartial delivery.
- Aligns Canadian funding with international humanitarian law and the government's own accountability standards for foreign assistance.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Could complicate diplomatic negotiations and coordination with other states or actors, potentially slowing some aid flows in the short term.
- Withholding funds from certain entities may reduce flexible or alternative delivery methods that can be useful when access is constrained.
- Canada cannot unilaterally guarantee access in Gaza; practical enforcement depends on cooperation from Israel and other regional partners.
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 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. We, the undersigned, Citizens and Residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to 1. Publicly and unequivocally reject the militarized aid model currently used in Palestine; 2. Request 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; and 5. Ensure that all Canadian aid to Gaza is delivered through internationally recognized humanitarian channels. 1. Publicly and unequivocally reject the militarized aid model currently used in Palestine; 2. Request 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; and 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 Rob Oliphant The Government of Canada welcomes the launch of Phase 2 of the Gaza Peace Plan and the establishment of interim governance structures in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, including the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Canada stands ready to work with the United States and international partners to realize the full potential of this plan, with a view to advancing the goal of a two-state solution. Canada has unequivocally condemned Hamas’ brutal attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, the appalling loss of life and heinous acts of violence perpetrated. Canada mourns every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in the ensuing conflict and expresses condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence. Canada also welcomes the return of all living and deceased hostages and the relief that this provides to their families after two incredibly difficult years. While Canada welcomes the increased flows of aid enabled by the ceasefire and Peace Plan, Canada remains deeply concerned by the enduring humanitarian situation and the restrictions on aid delivery that remain in place. Through diplomatic channels and public statements, Canada continues to call on Israel to allow the rapid and unimpeded access of United Nations-led humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza, in line with obligation under International Humanitarian Law. Canada is also concerned by Israel’s new re-registration requirements for international non-governmental organizations which risks their operations and further undermined 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 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. Canada is equally concerned about the worsening conditions in the West Bank. Canada continues to condemn the illegal expansion of settlements and the significant increase in settler violence, forcing ongoing displacement in the West Bank. This undermines our longstanding commitment to a two-state solution. The government has been vocal on all these messages and continues to take action. Recent examples include: On August 21, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with Foreign Ministers from 24 countries, issued a public statement condemning the decision made by the Israeli Higher Planning Committee to approve plans for settlement construction in the E1 area, East of Jerusalem, and calling for its immediate reversal. Also on August 21, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with Foreign Ministers from 29 countries, issued a public statement calling on the government of Israel to authorize international Non-Governmental Organizations’ access to unblock essential humanitarian operations and facilitate safe, large-scale access for the United Nations, International Non-Governmental Organizations and other humanitarian partners. On October 13, 2025, the Prime Minister of Canada issued a statement following his participation in the Middle East Peace Summit in Egypt, outlining the need to build on progress with immediate and sustained action, including calling on Israel to allow the unimpeded, sustained and large-scale delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza as well as commitments to strengthening the Palestinian Authority’s reform and capacity-building efforts, enabling it to reassume governance responsibilities in Gaza. On November 12, 2025, Canada led on a G7 Leaders’ statement that reiterated support for United States President Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan and called for all parties to allow for unimpeded humanitarian assistance at scale, through the United Nations-led system. On November 26, 2025, Canada joined a joint statement calling on Israeli authorities to protect Palestinians in the West Bank in the face of rising settler violence. 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. 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.” Also 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 on United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East which also addressed the international non-governmental organization registration issue. On February 10, 2026, Canada published a statement strongly condemning the Israeli security cabinet’s recent decision to approve measures to expand Israeli control over the West Bank and calling on Israel to reverse this decision and immediately halt settlement expansion. Canada has also taken significant action to support humanitarian relief in Palestine 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. Since October 7, 2023, Canada has committed more than $400 million in international assistance in response to the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. This includes over $270 million in humanitarian assistance to experienced United Nation, Red Cross and non-government organisation partners with the necessary capacity on the ground to respond when access conditions allow. 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. 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 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which plays a critical role assisting Palestinians, particularly with their experienced staff working in education and healthcare. 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. In August 2025, the Canadian Armed Forces conducted a humanitarian airdrop into Gaza, delivering nearly 10,000 kilograms of food aid. The Royal Jordanian Airforce also carried out several air drops of Canadian-funded aid. This was part of a coordinated international effort to address severe restrictions on land-based aid delivery. The Government of Canada recognizes that air drops cannot serve as a substitute to land-based delivery and air drops in no way change Canada’s position on the urgent need for large-scale land-based humanitarian aid deliveries into and throughout Gaza under the United Nations-led system. Canada continues to urge Israel to facilitate this and to put all measures possible in place to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian aid workers. On September 21, 2025, Canada announced its recognition of the State of Palestine as a necessary step to preserve the prospect of a two-state solution, in the face of ongoing efforts to undermine it. 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. Canada’s recognition of the State of Palestine was predicated on the Palestinian Authority’s commitments to: implement much-needed reforms, including the commitments by President Abbas to fundamentally reform its governance; hold general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part; not militarize 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 will also intensify efforts to support the Palestinian Authority’s implementation of its reform agenda so that it can deliver effective, democratic governance for Palestinians. On September 23, 2025, Canada announced over $47 million in new funding to strengthen economic resilience, judicial systems, governance structures, and democratization efforts in the West Bank and Gaza. Canada strongly supports United States, Egyptian, and Qatari efforts to bring an end to the war. Canada calls on the parties to fully uphold the ceasefire and engage in the implementation of the Peace Plan. The crucial next steps are for Hamas to follow through on its commitment to transfer power, and for Israel to remain withdrawn behind agreed-upon lines and facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian aid flows into Gaza. The Government has been clear that Hamas – a listed terrorist organization in Canada - must disarm and play no role in Palestine’s future governance. Canada has also deployed civilian and military representatives to the Civil Military Coordination Center established to monitor the implementation the ceasefire and advance efforts under the comprehensive 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. There is no military solution to this conflict—only a negotiated political solution will bring peace to Israelis and Palestinians. It is vital that the parties continue to engage constructively in negotiations to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement, as stipulated in the United States’ plan. Preserving the prospects for peace and stability in the region must be our collective priority.