Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly recently announced that Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rob Oliphant will travel to Egypt to represent Canada at the Cairo Conference on the Humanitarian Response to Gaza on December 2.
Canada expresses its deep concern about the continuing and deteriorating dire humanitarian conditions and imminent risk of famine in Gaza, as well as the challenges faced by those seeking to deliver aid. At the conference, Oliphant and representatives of the international community will discuss how to significantly increase the safe, rapid and unhindered passage of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, as well as how to support early recovery and plan for long-term reconstruction.
Oliphant will highlight that Canada has announced $50 million in humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. With this allocation, Canada will have allocated a total of $215 million to date for international assistance to meet the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis. Canada is relying on experienced and trusted partners, in particular the UN Refugee Agency, other UN agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and Canadian NGOs, to deliver these funds.
Global cooperation is essential to meet the urgent needs of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and to ensure the effective delivery of much-needed assistance. I look forward to working with our partners on how we can also support the early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, including restoring essential services to improve living conditions and resilience of the population,” said Oliphant.
This initiative reflects Canada’s commitment to the safety and well-being of populations affected by global humanitarian crises, and highlights its willingness to play an active role in supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts. The Canadian government’s participation in the Cairo conference demonstrates its commitment to international solidarity and its determination to make a meaningful contribution to improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations in Gaza and the West Bank.
In conclusion, Rob Oliphant’s presence at the Cairo conference underscores the importance that Canada places on international cooperation and promoting peace and stability in regions affected by humanitarian crises.. Its commitment to humanitarian aid in Gaza is a crucial step in efforts to alleviate the suffering of affected populations and foster a brighter future for all.