Cross-Canada hunger strike calls on the Canadian government to take immediate action on risk of genocide in Gaza
Today marks one month since the International Court of Justice order requiring Israel to take ”all measures within its power” to prevent genocide in Gaza and report back within a month with evidence of the actions taken.
“On the global day of action, we stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and call for an immediate end to the bombings and violence that continues to devastate the region,” said Mwangala Matakala, Campaigner, Oxfam Canada. “It is imperative that Canada takes a principled stance to uphold human rights and promote peace in the Middle East, and that starts with stopping the sales of arms to Israel.”
“Going on hunger strike is not among our ordinary means of action. But the gravity of hunger and other deprivations in Gaza is extraordinary. Canada cannot credibly uphold international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians while supplying military goods to armed forces that have destroyed 60% of civilian infrastructure in Gaza. As other third states, Canada has the means to help stop fueling the cycle of violence,” said Céline Füri, Humanitarian Lead, Oxfam-Québec.
"Today, by participating in this national hunger strike, we are refraining from eating for one day to stand in solidarity with millions of Palestinians in Gaza who are on the brink of starvation and suffering constant bombardment," said Miranda Gallo, Government Relations Manager, Islamic Relief Canada. "The unprecedented severity of this crisis requires unprecedented action. The Canadian government must do more than call for a ceasefire, it must also hold Israel accountable for its actions and stop fueling the ongoing escalation of violence and growing humanitarian catastrophe in the region."
Vita Sgardello, manager of communications, Oxfam Canada, [email protected], 613-799-0234
Khoudia Ndiaye, director of communications and public engagement, Oxfam-Québec, [email protected], 514-606-4663
Reyhana Patel, director of communications and government relations, Islamic Relief, [email protected], 647-200-4662
About Oxfam Canada
Oxfam Canada is an affiliate of the international Oxfam Confederation networked in 87 countries as part of a global movement for change. Our mission is to build lasting solutions to poverty and injustice, focusing on improving lives and promoting the rights of women and girls.
About Oxfam Quebec
Oxfam-Quebec is a non-profit and a non-partisan international solidarity organization. It is a member of the Oxfam Confederation, a movement that unites millions of people for a just and sustainable world. Together, we fight against inequalities to end poverty and injustice, now and for the long term.
About Islamic Relief
Islamic Relief Canada is a registered charity in Canada and a leading Muslim NGO that works in more than 30 countries to provide humanitarian relief and build resilient, prosperous communities. Visit islamicrelief.ca for more information.