Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) Urges Canada to Act As Flooding Devastates Gaza

Montreal, November 10, 2026  — Amid catastrophic flooding in Gaza, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is urging the Canadian government to exert pressure on Israel – including sanctions – in order to bring an end to its illegal occupation and siege which have created and exacerbated the crisis. Israel’s destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure and its restrictions on basic supplies have created intolerable humanitarian conditions, at odds with the basic conditions for sustaining life. As Foreign Minister Anita Anand meets with allies today at the G7 in Paris, CJPME urges Canada to announce new sanctions on Israel to stop this human-made disaster.

“Israel’s illegal blockade and restrictions on aid in Gaza are not only inhumane, but represent a blatantly genocidal act of collective punishment against the Palestinian people,” said Yara Shoufani, President of CJPME. “The current disaster unfolding in Gaza is entirely predictable and preventable, as the intended result of Israel’s cruel and calculated restrictions.”

Widespread flooding in Gaza has caused severe damage, displacing tens of thousands of people and killing at least five, including three children. 1.4 million people, or 65% of the Gaza population, live in tents or makeshift shelters that cannot withstand the weather conditions. UN officials have confirmed that Israeli officials are currently not allowing tents and other supplies to get in, obstructing recovery efforts. Israel has deliberately destroyed Gaza’s infrastructure that could have helped prevent flooding, while blocking the importation of goods necessary for repair.

Unlike many of its European counterparts, Canada has not yet issued a statement on the flooding in Gaza nor Israel’s responsibility. Today at the G7, the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has pledged that his government “will not stand by,” and said he is “pressing his partners” – including Canada – to “send a clear message to the Government of Israel that their behaviour and actions in Gaza is totally unacceptable.” 

Since suspending some arms permits for use in Gaza, Canada has not followed up with any further measures to try to stop Israel’s violations of international law in Gaza. Instead, Canada has begun using other sanctions to oppose Israel’s illegal settlements in the West Bank. Canada has a responsibility to enforce similar measures against Israeli authorities for their ongoing crimes against Palestinians within Gaza, which have not abated despite the supposed ceasefire. 

UN and aid officials have long warned about the human consequences of Israeli restrictions on goods entering Gaza. In early 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced provisional measures to prevent genocide in Gaza, ordering Israel to ensure the “unhindered provision at scale” of humanitarian assistance in “full co-operation” with the UN. In 2025, the ICJ issued an Advisory Opinion finding that Israel, as an occupying power, is obliged to ensure the provision of essential supplies to Gaza, and “not to impede such relief.” The ICJ also determined in 2024 that Israel’s presence in Gaza is unlawful and must end as soon as possible. CJPME notes that Israel has continued to violate these obligations, in grave breach of international law.