Servet Günerigök
17 October 2023•Update: 17 October 2023
WASHINGTON
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday underlined the "imperative" need for humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza, which has been under Israeli attacks and a siege blockade of vital supplies since Oct. 7.
Addressing the House of Commons, Trudeau expressed Canada's deep concern about the "dire and worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza."
"Canada is calling for unimpeded humanitarian access and a humanitarian corridor so that essential aid like food, fuel, and water can be delivered to civilians in Gaza. It is imperative that this happens," he told the lawmakers.
Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, and has no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out as civilians flee to the south following an Israeli warning to evacuate northern areas.
Israel previously ordered a "full siege" on Gaza in retaliation for a surprise attack launched by Hamas on Oct. 7 that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.
In Israel, 1,300 have been killed.
In addition to the siege, the Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Gaza, with strikes killing over 2,750 people, including 750 children.
