Mr. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau,
Madam Minister Mélanie Joly,
Faced with the absolutely desperate situation of civilians, caregivers and humanitarian organizations in Gaza, Doctors of the World Canada renews its call on the Government of Canada to support, in a firm and public manner, the establishment of an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The violence against the civilian population is unprecedented. Compared to previous Israeli military operations on Gaza, each bombardment of the operation Iron swords causes the deaths of four to six times more civilians. Since October 7, nearly 70% of the 11,000 people killed on the Palestinian side have been women and children. Gaza has become “a cemetery for children”, sadly commented the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres.
Among these civilians, Médecins du Monde includes his emergency colleague Maysara Rayes, who died with her family under the rubble of their building during a bombing on November 5. The bulldozers could not get there to rescue them due to lack of fuel. Further bombing then disrupted rescue efforts. Their bodies were found after 48 hours.
These tragedies are continually repeated in Gaza, where medical and vital resources are sorely lacking and are dwindling more day by day. Not only does the frequency of bombing destroy the hope of survival among the civilian population, but this frequency also prevents almost any form of rescue operation and humanitarian assistance on the ground. Food, water, electricity and medical supplies are sorely lacking. Even the UN was forced to announce the cessation of its operations.
Humanitarian breaks are useless, because no daily break of a few hours will, logistically or physically, provide the aid and care needed to alleviate the suffering of the 2.2 million Gazans trapped in the enclave.
The despair of caregivers
Health facilities, which are supposed to be protected under international humanitarian law, cannot offer comfort. Some 135 health facilities were attacked, and 192 health workers were killed and no longer available to help the injured, creating an exponential void in the delivery of emergency care.
Thousands of people are crowded into al-Chifa hospital, Gaza’s main medical center. And the remains are accumulating near this refuge hospital, their burial being too dangerous, their decomposition causing a high risk of infectious diseases. Despite this carnage, Gaza’s medical professionals are trying to save lives in appalling working conditions. These dedicated caregivers insist on staying put so as not to abandon their patients.
Mr Prime Minister, Madam Minister, after a month of bloody conflict for the civilian population of Gaza, and after the numerous requests made by Doctors of the World and numerous other humanitarian organizations, we are entitled to ask ourselves whether the new approach of your government, or pragmatic diplomacy, really takes into account the enormous human suffering of the situation.
Healthcare workers working on the ground in Gaza send a heartfelt cry to the international community. They implore world leaders to spare them and the civilians of Gaza the near end that seems almost inevitable to them. A ceasefire is essential to restore the protection of civilians and provide vital humanitarian assistance. This is why it is imperative to demand an insistent demand from Canada, and the international community, for a complete and immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Every minute that passes costs more lives.