Canada announces new support for pressing humanitarian needs in Gaza and the West Bank

New York, UNITED NATIONS - Canada is allocating new funding of CAD $3 million (about US $2.1 million) to UNFPA, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, for its humanitarian response in Gaza and the West Bank. The announcement was made by the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development of Canada, as heads of state and partners convened on 9 November for an international humanitarian conference on Gaza in France. 

After more than a  month of hostilities, needs are soaring in Gaza and the humanitarian situation is deteriorating by the hour.  More than 11,000 people have been killed, with close to 70 per cent of all fatalities being women and children, according to Ministry of Health data. Shortages of food, water, and fuel are threatening the well-being of thousands of displaced people.  

The health system is on its knees and an estimated 50,000 pregnant women have no access to basic maternal health care. Around 180 women are due to give birth every day amid the conflict in unimaginable conditions. “Put yourself in the shoes of that woman when the surgeon says to her, ‘I have no anaesthesia, I don't even have water or soap to wash my hands, but I'm going to try and save your life,’” said Laila Baker, UNFPA Regional Director for the Arab States. 

UNFPA remains focused on getting life-saving reproductive health supplies into Gaza – two truckloads of Inter-agency Reproductive Health Kits arrived in Gaza nearly a week ago and more supplies arrived on 10 November. Medicines and equipment for the provision of emergency obstetric and newborn care have already been distributed to three hospitals, and distribution to two additional hospitals is planned. Clean delivery and postpartum kits are being provided directly to pregnant women and new mothers through facilities and shelters. Canada’s funding to UNFPA will support the continued transportation and distribution of much-needed reproductive health supplies in Gaza.

“Canada’s participation in [the international humanitarian] conference reflects our continued engagement in and response to the ongoing humanitarian needs in Gaza and the West Bank,” said Mr. Hussen. “This is an important step to assist those affected by this grave humanitarian situation, while we keep working on not just getting aid in and people out, but also on de-escalating this situation.”

 UNFPA representative for Palestine Dominic Allen added, “Women and girls face a catastrophic situation in Gaza and Palestine, and they urgently need assistance. Canada’s new funding to our response will help focus on their specific needs."

Canada’s new contribution will help respond to some of the most urgent needs of women and girls as the trickle of humanitarian aid getting into Gaza remains woefully inadequate to address soaring needs. UNFPA has called for a humanitarian ceasefire and for the unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for all civilians in need, wherever they may be located. 

Canada is a long-standing supporter and partner of UNFPA. In 2022, it contributed over $72.8 million in funding to prioritize women's and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights.