Report - Ahmed Al-Saleh

Although the Canadian government has shown its bias towards the state of Israel in the recent events unfolding in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings, Canadian aid to Palestine will not be affected by this position, as government officials confirmed that financial and humanitarian aid from Canada will not be suspended to Palestine.

Canadian Jews criticize Canadian aid to Palestine

The Israel and Jewish Affairs Center in Canada, through the words of the Vice President of Government Relations at the center "David Cooper," condemned what he called the continued direct financial transfers from the Canadian government to the Palestinian government, considering that such assistance may reach Palestinian factions, either directly or through non-governmental organizations and relief groups.

Cooper also focused in press statements that while emergency aid may be justified in his view, the funds should not end up in the wrong places, emphasizing the need for the Canadian government to ensure this.

He also reiterated previous allegations from the same center that the non-governmental relief organizations that the Canadian government deals with to deliver aid to the Palestinian side have connections with individuals affiliated with some Palestinian factions involved in military actions against Israel, according to his claims.

Similarly, Michael Mostyn, the CEO of B'nai Brith Canada, stated that this is the right time for Canada to reconsider its humanitarian aid to Gaza, raising some allegations about the embezzlement of funds by Hamas that reach Gaza.

Canadian government assurances on continued support for civilians in Gaza

Despite the intense Jewish activity to stop the Canadian government support for Palestine, officials from the Canadian Foreign Ministry confirmed in statements to several Canadian and international media outlets that the residents of Gaza will need assistance now more than ever, due to the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, and therefore government support programs will not be halted.

These sources also confirmed that despite the official government position in Canada that is biased towards Israel, which condemns Hamas's actions in the Gaza vicinity, this will not affect the aid provided to civilians in Gaza, without communicating with Hamas, and ensuring that aid is delivered only to civilians without interference from the Palestinian Authority or factions in Gaza.

What aid does Canada provide to Palestine?

Ottawa provides over 50 million dollars annually to fund various Palestinian aid programs in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

This includes up to 25 million dollars annually to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides support for essential health and education needs and emergency food assistance.

The government also funds individual programs designed to support women in starting businesses and preventing domestic violence. The Canadian forces also participate in a training mission with several other Western countries to improve Palestinian security forces in the West Bank.

Source: National Post

Translation and editing : Arab Canada News