UPDATED: Canadian citizens in Gaza abandoned under Canada’s two-tier evacuation plan: CJPME
Montreal, October 13, 2023 [Updated October 14, 2023] — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is expressing extreme concern over the Canadian government’s failure to secure evacuation for citizens stuck in Gaza and the West Bank. While Canada has already completed four evacuation flights for its citizens in Israel, it has yet to secure plans for its own citizens in the occupied Palestinian territories, despite the catastrophic humanitarian situation. Israel told Canadian officials earlier today that they had decided against proposals to allow foreign nationals to flee Gaza via Egypt. This leaves at least 150 Canadian citizens trapped by Israel alongside more than 2 million Palestinians, without any relief or safety from Israeli siege and bombardment.
Read moreTell Trudeau: Push for end to bloodshed in Gaza
Words cannot express our worry and fear for the two million civilians of Gaza. Over the weekend, Israel has ordered half the population of Gaza to move to the south of the territory, and has taken actions that suggest they plan to dispossess millions of Palestinians from Gaza - literally a Nakba 2.0. Seemingly indifferent, the Trudeau government refuses to push for a ceasefire even after more than 2700 Palestinians have been killed. Let it be said that you did not sit idly by while our political leaders watched Israel turn Gaza to dust, slaughter its people, and commit another mass atrocity.
Help respond positively to events in Gaza
Like CJPME, you've probably been following events around Gaza closely these past 24 hours. Like you, we've been doing our best to respond to poor media coverage, and one-sided statements from politicians. Here's a summary of what we've been doing, and ways you can participate. If you believe in CJPME's work, please consider donating.
Influencing Media Narratives
Early on Saturday, CJPME issued a strong press statement to the media that was picked up by the Canadian Press, and quoted in dozens of print and broadcast publications. You can see us quoted in the piece in the Calgary Herald, the Toronto Star, and dozens of other publications and broadcasters. The PR contained important core points: If you're talking to your friends, some you might find useful are:
Read moreCrisis Report 2023
Last updated: Friday, November 24, 12:30 p.m. ET
In this brief:
This is a new resource to follow the developments related to the escalation of violence in Palestine-Israel, following the attack by Hamas against Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel's response. Further resources will be added in the coming days.
Important statistics since October 7, 2023
- Palestinians killed in Gaza: 14,800, including at least 6,000 children, with thousands missing under the rubble. NOTE: Since November 11, these numbers have not been properly updated by the Gaza health ministry due to the collapse of communications and hospitals in the north.
- Palestinians wounded in Gaza: 36,000
- Palestinians internally displaced in Gaza: At least 1.7 million
- Palestinians killed in the West Bank: At least 211, including at least 54 children
- Palestinians injured in the West Bank: At least 2866, including at least 365 children
- Israelis killed: About 1,200, including 356 soldiers
- Israelis wounded: 5,431
- Israelis held hostage by Palestinian militants: Reportedly 236, with some hostages set to be released
Canadian Political Responses to situation in Palestine-Israel
Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister)
❗️@JustinTrudeau urges Israel to show “maximum restraint” in Gaza, and says “the killing of women and children … of babies … has to stop.” But he STILL refuses to withdraw Canada’s support for Israel’s murderous war! If he wants the killing to stop, demand a #CeasefireNow! pic.twitter.com/1GxniDEe6e
— Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (@CJPME) November 14, 2023
Canada strongly condemns the current terrorist attacks against Israel. These acts of violence are completely unacceptable. We stand with Israel and fully support its right to defend itself. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this. Civilian life must be protected.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 7, 2023
The images we have seen from Israel are horrifying and shocking. As we continue to learn more about the scale and brutality of these attacks, we extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected. Our hearts break for the hundreds of innocent people whose lives have been taken.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 8, 2023
Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ barbaric, brutal terror attacks – and reaffirms its support for Israel’s right to defend itself. We also call for the immediate release of those being held hostage, and we demand that they be treated in accordance with international law.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 8, 2023
To our Israeli friends: Canadians stand with you. And our government stands ready to support you. Our support for Israel is steadfast. Please read my full statement on the recent attacks against Israel: https://t.co/sLifAx4cSc
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 8, 2023
Please read my full statement on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip: https://t.co/ebRnElx4D7
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 15, 2023
JUST NOW: Following a deadly Israeli airstrike on a Gaza hospital, @JustinTrudeau STILL WON’T CALL FOR THE BOMBS TO STOP. Thank you @thejagmeetsingh for pushing for a ceasefire and an immediate end to these massacres! #Ceasefire #Gaza pic.twitter.com/m7LlgQ5auv
— Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (@CJPME) October 17, 2023
Bob Rae (Canada's Ambassador to the UN)
“Following the escalation between Israel and Gaza”. C’mon MSF - can’t you at least use words to describe what happened ? “After unprovoked and widespread terrorist attack on Israeli civilians…” Say the words. https://t.co/MGIEFey5FD
— Bob Rae (@BobRae48) October 7, 2023
Melanie Joly (Liberal)
Canada unequivocally condemns the multi-front terror attack against Israeli citizens by Hamas.
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) October 7, 2023
Canada firmly stands with Israel and its right to defend itself against terror under international law. My heart is with the victims and all those affected by these attacks.
J'ai rencontré le professeur @IrwinCotler cet après-midi. Nous avons tous deux réitéré notre ferme condamnation des attaques terroristes contre les Israéliens. Il m'a aussi informé de la gravité de la situation sur le terrain. Merci de m’avoir partagé vos connaissances, Irwin.
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) October 7, 2023
Ahmed Hussen (Liberal)
I just spoke with @UNRWA to discuss the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. We discussed the crucial need for a humanitarian corridor in the region to allow life-saving supplies into the region. Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected at all costs.
— Ahmed Hussen (@HonAhmedHussen) October 15, 2023
Global Affairs Canada
Canada unequivocally condemns the multi-front terror attack against Israeli citizens by Hamas. Canada firmly stands with Israel and its right to defend itself against terror under international law. Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by these attacks.
— Foreign Policy CAN (@CanadaFP) October 7, 2023
Q: “What is Canada’s position on whether there should be a ceasefire right now, and whether Israel needs to stop its bombardment?”
— Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (@CJPME) October 15, 2023
Shamefully, the answer was NO: Canada still supports Israel’s brutal war even after killing 2,600+ Palestinians, the majority children & women. pic.twitter.com/tY8WkecPcx
Chrystia Freeland (Liberal)
Canada condemns the barbaric terrorist attacks against Israel in the strongest possible terms—and we stand firmly with Israel in support of its right to defend itself.
— Chrystia Freeland (@cafreeland) October 7, 2023
Just now in Parliament, Canada once again REFUSED to call for a ceasefire and an end to Israel’s bombardment of civilians in Gaza, which has killed more than 1,000 children in just over a week. @cafreeland repeats that Canada “support[s] the State of Israel.” pic.twitter.com/oo9D9KW7mZ
— Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (@CJPME) October 16, 2023
Iqra Khalid (Liberal)
I am advocating for a cease-fire, end the blockade of Gaza, and the creation of an emergency humanitarian corridor. Attacks targeting more than a million Palestinians are being carried out indiscriminately in retaliation for attacks by Hamas against Israel. pic.twitter.com/Sq3fNwnH9S
— Iqra Khalid 🇨🇦 (@iamIqraKhalid) October 14, 2023
Rob Oliphant (Liberal)
The Honourable Robert Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, today issued the following statement on the situation in Israel and Gaza. pic.twitter.com/6GivwqESG4
— Rob Oliphant (@Rob_Oliphant) October 14, 2023
Yasir Naqvi (Liberal)
My letter to the Prime Minister on the ongoing situation in Gaza and Israel. pic.twitter.com/EXxF03oCUX
— Yasir Naqvi 🇨🇦 (@Yasir_Naqvi) October 14, 2023
Salma Zahid (Liberal)
“I urge Canada to be a voice for an immediate ceasefire.” Thank you @SalmaZahid15 for adding your voice to calls for a ceasefire, demanding an end to Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza, and pushing for all those guilty of war crimes to face international justice. #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/1x5i6uXfpp
— Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (@CJPME) October 17, 2023
Sameer Zuberi (Liberal)
Chair of Muslim Caucus Sameer Zuberi gave an impassioned plea standing against the “butchery” happening now in #Gaza.
— NCCM (@nccm) October 19, 2023
The mounting death toll of innocent civilians in Gaza has reached the thousands.
As MP @SameerZuberi mentions here, international law and peace must prevail.… pic.twitter.com/eIwiwvx0xt
Arielle Kayabaga (Liberal)
I am devastated by the airstrike on the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza. The hospital was filled with patients, medical professionals and people seeking shelter - attacking a hospital violates international law.
— Arielle Kayabaga (@KayabagaArielle) October 17, 2023
These are war crimes, assaults on human rights and it need to end now! https://t.co/GBYeOeoXxv
Jagmeet Singh (NDP)
I strongly condemn these horrifying attacks by Hamas on Israel.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) October 7, 2023
Civilians should never be targeted and all hostages must be released immediately.
We fear what the coming days will bring. Terrorism and violence solve nothing.
The violence in Palestine and Israel is heartbreaking. I share the despair so many of you are feeling, and worry what the days to come may bring.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) October 10, 2023
Please read our full statement.https://t.co/X89ACDJYn0
“Canada must call for a ceasefire to end the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza immediately … When we stop seeing each other as human, when we stop believing that each life has value, this is when the seeds of genocide take hold.” Thank you @theJagmeetSingh for these words. pic.twitter.com/nx8o8Sj0fG
— Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (@CJPME) October 17, 2023
Bombing a hospital is a violation of International Law.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) October 17, 2023
There must be a ceasefire. Now. https://t.co/feBE3O5g0X
Heather McPherson (NDP)
My heart aches for the civilians brutalized & murdered in Israel by Hamas.
— Heather McPherson (@HMcPhersonMP) October 7, 2023
The violence & terror must stop. At this devastating time, we must renew efforts for peace.
I am deeply concerned that an escalation of violence will cause Israelis & Palestinians to suffer even more. https://t.co/tetCyiM1AC
Jewish and Palestinian Canadians are extremely worried about their loved ones. Hamas must release all hostages. Gazans also suffer under Hamas and Gaza is over 50% children. Bombardments, cutting off food, water, electricity is collective punishment
— Heather McPherson (@HMcPhersonMP) October 9, 2023
(1/2)
and it is illegal under international law. The extreme brutality of Hamas & their failure to abide by the laws of war does not absolve Israel from its obligation to protect innocent civilians. All civilians must be protected.
— Heather McPherson (@HMcPhersonMP) October 9, 2023
(2/2)
Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in peace. Today, in Question Period, I asked the Government to stand up for international law and call for a #ceasefire.
— Heather McPherson (@HMcPhersonMP) October 16, 2023
Palestinians must be protected. pic.twitter.com/DlfRN8NTxu
New Democrats are outraged by the bombing of Ahli Arab hospital and an UNRWA school this morning. Doctors, patients, people seeking refuge: hundreds dead.
— Heather McPherson (@HMcPhersonMP) October 17, 2023
Nowhere in Gaza is safe now. These egregious violations of international law must stop.
Canada must demand a #ceasefire now! https://t.co/om5j1SPXxt
Yesterday in committee, @HMcPhersonMP asked @CanadaFP if they are aware if Canadian weapons exports to Israel are being used in Gaza. The response: Canada has “no information” on this so far. We need an arms embargo NOW to ensure that 🇨🇦 exports are not used in war crimes. pic.twitter.com/W85RPTJlzt
— Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (@CJPME) October 24, 2023
Leah Gazan (NDP)
I’m heartbroken by the violence we are seeing in Israel and Palestine. The attacks by Hamas and Israel’s bombardment of Gaza must stop - a ceasefire is needed to prevent further loss of life.
— Leah ProudLakota (she/her) (@LeahGazan) October 7, 2023
This cycle of violence needs to be broken. We must end the occupation to achieve peace. https://t.co/07XqWzetqM
My statement on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for an immediate ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/9jzemPiLNl
— Leah ProudLakota (she/her) (@LeahGazan) October 19, 2023
Niki Ashton (NDP)
We need to learn from history.
— Niki Ashton (@nikiashton) October 15, 2023
There can only be peace and security if there is a just peace that fundamentally ends the occupation, oppression and exclusion of the Palestinians.
Blake Desjarlais (NDP)
Ceasefire now. pic.twitter.com/10eGtuTHOz
— Blake Desjarlais (@DesjarlaisBlake) October 19, 2023
"The 12-year old daughter of one of my constituents remains stuck in Gaza, separated from both her parents, and we have no info on her whereabouts ... When will this government call for a ceasefire NOW?" - @DesjarlaisBlake #CeasefireNow pic.twitter.com/ngsoTr3rrP
— Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (@CJPME) October 25, 2023
Bloc Québécois
Le Bloc Québécois condamne fermement l’attaque terroriste du Hamas contre Israël et sa population civile. Les otages doivent être libérés sans délai.
— Bloc Québécois (@BlocQuebecois) October 7, 2023
Seule la négociation peut permettre l'établissement d'une paix durable dans la région.
Jonathan Pedneault (Green Party Co-Leader)
A civilian is a civilian is a civilian.
— Jonathan Pedneault (@j_pedneault) October 7, 2023
Whether in Israel or Palestine, Ukraine or Russia, they are protected by law.
When state or non-state actors attack civilians, you’ll always find us condemning it.
We strongly condemn today’s horrendous attacks by Hamas.
Context also matters.
— Jonathan Pedneault (@j_pedneault) October 7, 2023
Gaza has been turned into an open air prison by Israeli govts for 16 years.
Within the OPT, Israel continues to practice apartheid.
Israelis & Palestinians deserve rights & safety. Tragic that politicians rob them both from them.https://t.co/JUCc2Qq1CV https://t.co/IwLtPTuK2L
Mike Morrice (Green)
"How many more children need to die before the government calls for a ceasefire?" - @morricemike #CeasefireNow pic.twitter.com/Gu4XOpu857
— Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (@CJPME) October 26, 2023
Pierre Poilièvre (Conservative Party Leader)
I unequivocally condemn the invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists and the sadistic violence they have subsequently carried out against innocent civilians.
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) October 7, 2023
Israel has the right to defend itself against these attacks and respond against the attackers. Canadians pledge their…
Olivia Chow (Toronto Mayor)
https://twitter.com/MayorOliviaChow/status/1710689716528439790
Now deleted Tweet: "I unequivocally condemn Hamas’ horrific attacks on Israeli civilians. At this time, Toronto Police are not aware of threats to Jewish communities in Toronto and are working to ensure the safety of Jewish communities in the city."
Other Important Statements
- Human Rights Watch: White Phosphorus Used in Gaza, Lebanon (Oct 12)
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Public Statement: Scholars Warn of Potential Genocide in Gaza (Oct 17)
- Genocide Scholars and 100 Palestinian and International Civil Society Organisations Call on Prosecutor Khan to Issue Arrest Warrants, Investigate Israeli Crimes and Intervene to Deter Incitement to Commit Genocide in Gaza (October 20)
Double standard on Mideast violence must end: CJPME
Montreal, October 7, 2023 — Like many other Canadians, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) condemns the violence against civilians in both Israel and the occupied and besieged Gaza Strip. Hamas resistance forces entered Israel earlier today, targeting both Israeli military personnel as well as civilians. Israeli forces responded to Hamas’ attack by targeting both militant actors and civilians in indiscriminate strikes in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. In Canada, CJPME is particularly troubled by the double standard evident in the immediate response from many Canadian politicians, which is quick to denounce Hamas’ actions today but remains silent on Israel’s decades of brutal military occupation and apartheid against Palestinians.
Read moreCJPME: Canada Must Condemn Israel’s Assassination of Palestinians and their Families in Gaza
Montreal, May 9, 2023 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is calling on the Canadian government to condemn Israel’s unprovoked acts of aggression in the occupied Gaza Strip. Overnight, Israel unilaterally broke its ceasefire with Islamic Jihad to conduct extrajudicial killings of three of its leaders, deliberately targeting units in residential buildings and killing them with their families as they slept. 13 Palestinians were killed in the attack, including 4 children and 4 women, and another 18 were injured. Further casualties have been reported from renewed airstrikes today. In addition to a formal condemnation, CJPME urges Canada to immediately suspend all military trade with Israel, among other concrete measures to hold Israeli officials accountable for this massacre.
Read moreMarch 30 - On This Day
March 30, 2018: Palestinian refugees launch the Great March of Return in Gaza
“The Nakba is not just a memory, it is an ongoing reality. We can accept that we all must eventually die; in Gaza; the tragedy is that we don’t get to live.” – Ahmad Abu Artemah, organizer of the Great March of Return
On this day in 2018, Palestinians launched the Great March of Return, a series of weekly mass protests at the fence separating the occupied Gaza strip from Israel, demanding an end to the Israeli blockade and the right of refugees to return to their homes. Israeli snipers stationed at the fence opened fire indiscriminately on the demonstrators, deploying live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas. Over a period of two years, Israeli forces killed 214 Palestinians, including 46 children, and injured more than 36,100. Over 8,000 protestors were shot with live ammunition. Palestinian causalities as a result of the Great March of Return put a strain on the entire health and social system in Gaza, which was further exacerbated by the over-decade-long Israeli blockade.
Over the course of the weekly protests, thousands of people – mostly young men – were maimed, suffering devastating injuries that require months of surgery and physiotherapy to treat. According to Doctors Without Borders, within four days of the first demonstration, 102 Palestinian patients suffered from gun wounds in their lower limbs. A Haaretz investigation found that Israeli snipers deliberately targeted protestors’ limbs, boasting of the number of kneecaps they could shoot in a day. Additionally, Israeli violence against protestors had a significant effect on the psychosocial well-being and mental health of Palestinian refugees in Gaza.
A UN Commission of Inquiry found that Israel’s use of violence against demonstrators was not necessary nor appropriate and that it violated international law - possibly amounting to crimes against humanity. In nearly all cases, “the use of live ammunition by Israeli security forces against demonstrators was unlawful.” The Commission of Inquiry’s report continued:
“Victims who were hundreds of metres away from the Israeli forces and visibly engaged in civilian activities were shot, as shown by eyewitness accounts, video footage and medical records. Journalists and medical personnel who were clearly marked as such were shot, as were children, women and persons with disabilities.”
The Great March of Return turned into a major movement in Gaza in which Palestinian civil society, political factions and international organizations participated. The right of return for Palestinian refugees was central to the peaceful demonstrations as around 70 percent of Gaza’s population are refugees who were displaced during either the 1948 Nakba (“catastrophe”) or the 1967 war and barred from returning to their land, which in many cases is only a few kilometres away.
The Canadian government failed to comment on Israeli violence against protestors until Palestinian-Canadian doctor Tarek Loubani was wounded by Israeli live fire while providing medical aid in Gaza and despite being clearly identified as a first responder. Trudeau issued a statement saying that the Canadian government was “appalled” by the incident. Read CJPME’s recap of this incident here.
Read more:
Gaza’s Great March of Return protests explained – Al Jazeera
’42 Knees in One Day’: Israeli Snipers Open Up About Shooting Gaza Protestors - Haaretz
Palestine on the Ballot: Joint Campaign Launches to Foreground Palestinian Human Rights During Canadian Elections
Montreal, August 18, 2021: Today, a partnership of Canadian advocacy groups launched Vote Palestine: a campaign and online resource to put issues of human rights in Palestine-Israel on the agenda for the federal election. Central to the campaign is a joint platform of shared demands that civil society groups hope to see candidates take on. With these tools, Vote Palestine intends to challenge candidates to make clear commitments on foreign policy that could bring about real change for the better in the region.
Read more
CJPME Regrets Canada’s Abstention on UN Vote on Gaza
June 14, 2018 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is disappointed by the Trudeau government’s decision to abstain on a UN General Assembly vote yesterday condemning Israel for its disproportionate violence against Palestinians in Gaza in recent weeks. The resolution text rightly deplored the “excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force by the Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and particularly in the Gaza Strip,” and called attention to Israel’s use of live ammunition against civilian protesters, including children, medics and journalists.
Read moreCJPME Condemns Israeli Shooting of Canadian Doctor, Slaughter of Gaza Protesters
Montreal, May 15, 2018 —Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) condemns Israel’s shooting of London, ON based doctor Tarek Loubani, shot while attending the wounded in Gaza. Despite being clearly identified as a first responder, Loubani sustained a moderate injury to his left leg, and a minor injury to his right leg. A friend and colleague of Loubani’s, paramedic Musa Abuhassanin was killed, along with at least 54 other Palestinians in Gaza yesterday.
Read more