CJPME Factsheet No. 230, published August 2022: This factsheet explores the history and consequences of Israel's blockade on Gaza. It looks at the restrictions on the movement of people and trade, and considers whether the blockade is legal under international law. 

Montreal, June 29, 2022- Below is a letter to Eric Reguly, thanking him for publishing the “Gaza’s young people have known nothing but a blockade for 15 years. Palestinians share their stories of endurance.” article in the Globe and Mail. Despite criticism, Eric Reguly displayed acts of journalist integrity by speaking on Israel's 15-year blockade on Gaza. Click here to download PDF version of the letter. 

Montreal, June 28, 2022- Below is a letter from CJPME to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to follow up on his commitment to providing Canadian medical treatment to 100 Palestinian children from Gaza, as promised to Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish in 2014. Click here to download PDF version of the letter. 

CJPME Factsheet No. 224, published June, 2021: This factsheet provides an analysis of the vaccination campaign against Covid-19 in Palestine and Israel's legal responsibility to protect Palestinians from the disease.

Montreal, February 23, 2021 — Like many Canadians, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is deeply alarmed by Israel’s actions which impede the ability of Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip to access COVID-19 vaccines. Last week, when the Palestinian Authority tried to send its first shipment of vaccines (2,000 Sputnik V doses) for medical staff in Gaza, Israel blocked its entry for days. Meanwhile, Israeli politicians debated leveraging the shipment in return for extracting political concessions. CJPME urges the Canadian government to demand an immediate end to Israel’s illegal blockading of vaccines, and demand a promise from Israel that it will no longer endanger the lives of Palestinians by playing “vaccine politics.”

Montreal, July 31, 2018 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) strongly opposes Israel’s illegal interception of a civilian boat carrying humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip. The boat, “Al-Awda” – meaning “the return” in Arabic – was carrying 22 internationals and around 50,000 dollars’ worth of medical equipment when it was intercepted in international waters by Israeli warships on Sunday. The boat’s passengers were immediately arrested. While a few participants have been released, most of the crew and passengers – including Canadian Larry Commodore of the Stó:lo First Nation – are currently being held under unlawful detention in Israeli prison. CJPME calls on the Canadian government to facilitate the swift release of these human rights defenders and ensure the safe passage of “Al-Awda” and its aid supplies to Gaza.

Montreal, August 27, 2014 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The ceasefire was slated to begin yesterday. It was brokered by Egypt and Qatar. According to Al Jazeera news network, the deal includes an immediate easing of Israel's blockage of crossings into Gaza. The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza will also be opened. CBC reports that under the deal, aid and reconstruction materials will be allowed in, and Palestinians will be allowed to fish up to six nautical miles offshore, up from three. Discussions on the creation of a seaport and airport will take place in a month, when indirect talks between Israel and Palestinians will resume.

CJPME Factsheet 137, published September, 2011: This factsheet provides a summary analysis of the Palmer Report, a commission appointed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki‐moon to hold an inquiry over Israel’s attack on the Gaza Aid Flotilla in 2010.

CJPME Factsheet 126, published June, 2011: This factsheet provides an overview the Canadian Boat to Gaza (CBG), an initiative by 26 veteran social-justice activists from across Canada, intended to assist international efforts to break the Israeli-led blockade of Gaza. To do this, the CBG will non-violently challenge Israel’s illegal blockade (onboard the Tahrir), carry medical supplies and other urgently-needed humanitarian aid, and seek to draw international attention to the suffering of the people of Gaza.

CJPME Factsheet 107, published December, 2010: In June 2010, following intense international pressure, Israel announced measures to ease its illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip. Unfortunately, the resulting “loosening” has changed very little for Gazans. Today, according to international monitors, Israel still restricts the entry of many goods into Gaza, such as construction and raw materials, and industrial machinery. Israel also continues to enforce restrictions on the movement of people and exports from the strip. These restrictions perpetuate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.