Mr. Speaker, in the petition I am tabling, the petitioners highlight that under common article 1 of the Geneva Convention, Canada is required to respect international humanitarian law, and that under article 59 of the fourth Geneva Convention, Israel is an occupying power that must allow and facilitate humanitarian aid by impartial organizations. They highlight that Canada's own Official Development Assistance Accountability Act requires that all Canadian foreign aid uphold human rights and international legal standards.
They highlight that, publicly and unequivocally, they reject the militarized aid model used in Palestine. They also highlight that they demand the full restoration of access for the UN agencies and established humanitarian NGOs, including UNRWA and the World Food Programme. They insist on safe and immediate entry for Canadian health care workers and other international humanitarian personnel to Palestine. They also ask that Canadian funding be withheld from any entity or model that does not comply with the principles of neutrality, impartiality, independence and humanity, and, finally, that all Canadian aid to Gaza is delivered through internationally recognized humanitarian channels.