JSpaceCanada is gravely concerned by the Netanyahu government's decision to expand its ground offensive in Gaza and by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s continued refusal to seriously engage in proposals that could bring about an end to the war. The push toward full occupation of the Gaza Strip follows months of devastating blockade and widespread humanitarian suffering, and it raises alarming questions about the government’s long-term intentions regarding re-occupation, displacement, and annexation.

We strongly support the two statements from the Canadian government - both the joint statement from Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney issued by the leaders of Canada, the United Kingdom, and France on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and the joint donor statement from Global Affairs Canada on humanitarian aid to Gaza, both issued on May 19, 2025. 

As both statements make clear, Canada’s staunch support for Israel must go hand in hand with a shared commitment to democratic values and international law. The Israeli government’s current actions are deepening the humanitarian crisis, endangering hostages, and further eroding the prospects for peace and long-term regional stability.

This is not the path to returning hostages safely or achieving lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians. Rather than advancing “total victory,” this offensive threatens to prolong the conflict, inflict further civilian casualties, and deepen Israel’s international isolation.

Experts within Israel, families of the hostages, and a majority of the Israeli public agree: the safest and most effective path forward lies in a negotiated ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and the establishment of a credible, internationally-supported plan for Gaza’s future governance - one that includes coordination with Arab partners and the Palestinian Authority.

The Israeli government's current refusal to engage in any viable "day after" strategy leaves a dangerous vacuum. Extremist elements continue to promote permanent occupation and deny Palestinians any path to peace, freedom, or self-determination.

While we acknowledge steps taken to allow some humanitarian aid into Gaza, we affirm that no aid initiative can succeed while military operations expand. Preventing further humanitarian catastrophe requires a large-scale, internationally coordinated, and protected aid delivery mechanism.

We urge the Canadian government and its allies to use every available diplomatic tool to press for a ceasefire and to support the framework outlined in the Canada–UK–France joint statement, including further targeted sanctions and recognition of a Palestinian state. 

Every day this war continues, the human toll deepens, hostages remain at risk, and the prospects for peace slip further from reach.