AS the situation in Palestine, more specifically in Gaza grows more dire by the hour causing thousands of civilian casualty, including children, elderly and women.

AND AS per the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres notes: “At a crucial moment like this, it is vital to be clear on principles — starting with the fundamental principle of respecting and protecting civilians………Nothing can justify the deliberate killing, injuring and kidnapping of civilians”;

AND WHEREAS the Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 5,000 Palestinians, including over 1,100 women and 2,000 children, as well as journalists, medical workers and first responders and the death toll increasing by the hour;

AND WHEREAS over 1.4 million Palestinians have been displaced, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble and United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools and hospitals, many sheltering displaced Palestinians, having been hit;

AND WHEREAS Gaza remains under a full electricity blackout and hospitals are on the brink of collapse;

AND WHEREAS these airstrikes have caused death of many Canadians or family members and relatives of Canadians;

AND WHEREAS the UN Secretary-General has warned the Security Council calling for humanitarian aid without restrictions and an immediate ceasefire;

WE, THEREFORE, demand that Canada calls for an immediate ceasefire to provide safety to civilians and allow the much needed humanitarian aid to move into Gaza.