Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has revealed a $100 million federal funding initiative to assist Palestinians residing in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The announcement was made in Paris during a gathering of Western leaders focused on addressing obstacles hindering a potential two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The financial support, to be allocated to United Nations agencies, the Red Cross, and other entities, aims to tackle the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the escalating violence in the West Bank caused by extremist Israeli settlers. This new funding, which boosts Canada’s backing for Palestinians to $500 million since late 2023, will be directed towards fulfilling essential needs like medical aid, food, water, and initiatives promoting peace and stability.
In a meeting with her British and Australian counterparts, Anand and her colleagues committed approximately $1.8 million over three years to a peace fund designed to empower moderate Palestinians and Israelis. Despite these efforts, the Canadian government faces criticism from Palestinian supporters who argue for stronger condemnation of Israel, as well as from Jewish advocacy groups who contend that Ottawa’s censure of Israel contributes to antisemitism concerns.