Call to Action: Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and Israel

November 3, 2023

We share our deep concern for the catastrophic humanitarian crisis that has been unfolding for nearly a month following the October 7 attack and killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas in Israel, and the ongoing Israeli military siege and killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. 

We have been monitoring diverse news sources and sector communications, including those of our members and partners and others with humanitarian expertise and experience in the region, and of political leaders in Canada and globally. We are horrified by and unequivocally condemn the suffering and loss of lives of thousands upon thousands of innocent civilians.

Today the UN health agency (WHO) spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said that in Israel, where 1,400 people have been killed so far, and in Gaza, where over 9,000 have been killed according to Hamas run authorities, 70 percent of the victims are women and children. As we have shared directly with OCIC member organizations over the past days, we express solidarity with all those who have been affected in any way – including those who have lost family members and loved ones, sustained injuries, or been put into grave danger.  

We support the numerous calls for safe return of all hostages; for an immediate end to violence against civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian personnel; for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access; for an immediate ceasefire and lift of the military siege on Gaza; and to invest in building a just and sustainable peace for Palestinians and Israelis.

As a Council of diverse members with shared commitments towards global social justice, human dignity and the realization of human rights for all, we are committed to amplifying relevant work and calls to action. We urge you to consider the following petitions, emergency appeals and media efforts of our members and others in the sector, for your information and action: