Canada providing $10M in humanitarian aid to address 'urgent needs' in Israel and Gaza: Trudeau

Canada will be providing an initial $10 million in humanitarian assistance to address "urgent needs" in Israel and the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.

Amid the dire situation, the new funding will provide life-saving supports, including food, water, emergency medical assistance, and protection services, according to the federal government.

"We're working around the clock to support you, we will continue to follow the situation as it evolves, and continue our efforts with international partners," Trudeau said, speaking in Yellowknife.

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While Trudeau spoke about the impact the "horrific devastation" the ongoing Israel-Hamas war is having both at home, and abroad, he repeatedly dodged questions from reporters over whether he agrees with a warning from the United Nations that Israel is violating international humanitarian law.

The prime minister condemned Hamas' "terrorist attacks against Israel" and validated Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law.

"There is no question that Hamas is a terrorist organization that has brutally murdered innocent civilians, that has chosen to invade Israel... And on top of that, has taken hostages in a total and flagrant violation of all international laws and norms," he said.

"That is why we need to continue to work with international communities and allies to try and find a way to protect all civilians through this."

The prime minister also made a point on Thursday of stating Hamas "does not represent the Palestinian people," nor Arabs or Muslims.

"Israeli and Palestinian civilians deserve to live in peace and security, in dignity, and with their human rights respected," Trudeau said.

"We continue to look for ways to support civilians, both Palestinians and Israelis, and ensure that as many civilians as possible are kept safe during this terrible conflict."

WHERE IS AID GOING?

Minister of International Development of Canada Ahmed Hussen said the new money comes in response to appeals from "experienced and trusted humanitarian partners," and will be going to a series of organizations, such as the Canadian Red Cross, the Palestine Red Crescent Society and Magen David Adom.

"This initial funding commitment will allow partners to scale up their efforts and provide assistance to people in urgent need. We continue to call for safe and unrestricted humanitarian access to be allowed throughout the region," said Hussen in a statement.

Earlier this week, the federal government said it still planned to send humanitarian aid to Gaza and the West Bank, where officials say roughly 264,000 Palestinians have been internally displaced.

Hussen's office has said it will ensure that none of the funds will end up in the hands of Hamas, pointing to the "enhanced due diligence" and anti-terrorism exercises undertaken in allocating Canadian aid funding.

Asked during a technical briefing specifically how Canada can make such guarantees, senior officials speaking on a not-for-attribution, officials said there is a "strict regime" to ensure no funding ends up in the hands of the declared terrorist organization.

WHAT IS SITUATION IN GAZA?

Israel has stopped sending supplies to civilians in Gaza, including cutting access to water and power. This prompted the UN to warn the move is in violation of international humanitarian law, for blocking access to the essentials of life.

The International Committee of the Red Cross asked Thursday for Hamas and Israeli officials to allow a neutral party humanitarian access to Gaza to provide essential aid and facilitate communication between hostages and their families, The Associated Press reported Thursday.

Senior Canadian officials said they are watching the deteriorating humanitarian situation with grave concern, and are closely monitoring efforts from the United Nations to de-escalate and facilitate supports, such as the incoming Canadian aid, to enter the area.

So far, Canada has no plans to begin evacuations for the approximately 280 of Canadians that have reached out for federal assistance from Gaza or the West Bank.

While still exploring what's possible, including a ground transportation option from the West Bank into Jordan, given there is no humanitarian corridor, officials said assisted departures from Gaza are not possible right now.

"We are working very hard with all of our allies, and friends and partners who want to see peace returned to the region, want to see civilian lives protected. This is an unbelievably difficult situation," Trudeau said.