News and Updates

News release, statements, and updates about the work of our members and partners.

More than 100 days into the Gaza crisis, the risk of dying of hunger and disease now threatens those caught in the crossfire
Humanitarian aid response “exceptionally challenging”
$14.5 million donated to the Humanitarian Coalition’s Gaza Emergency Appeal; with matching from Canadian government, $28.3 million available to help people in that region

For the past several weeks, the global community has looked on with horror at events unfolding in the Middle East. Brutal attacks by Hamas in Israel left more than 1,200 people dead while more than 200 people were kidnapped. As Israel responds, more than 11,078 civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, most of them children and women, have been killed by airstrikes and violence, and over 27,490 were injured.

Ottawa, 27 October 2023 –.  The Humanitarian Coalition welcomes the Government of Canada’s announcement that it will match, dollar-for-dollar, donations made to its Gaza Humanitarian Emergency Appeal up to a maximum of $10 million. The Humanitarian Coalition is made up of 12 of Canada’s largest international humanitarian agencies and donations made to any of its members will be matched retroactively to October 7, 2023 until the end of the appeal on November 12, 2023. 

Ottawa, 23 October 2023 – In response to the significant humanitarian emergency unfolding in Gaza, twelve leading Canadian aid agencies – working together as the Humanitarian Coalition – have launched the Gaza Humanitarian Emergency Appeal to raise funds to rush assistance to people in need. 

The Coalition is united in its call for all sides in the conflict to protect civilian lives and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need as quickly as possible.  

Facts  

Together, as a collective of neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organizations working toward the preservation of life and protection of civilian populations around the world, we are extremely concerned by the escalation of violence in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel, and the catastrophic repercussions this violence is having on innocent lives. Thousands of civilians – including children – are suffering as a result of countless attacks, hunger, dehydration, sickness and the absence of healthcare and humanitarian assistance.

The Humanitarian Coalition is deeply saddened by the horrific violence that has recently been taking place in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. We grieve for the hundreds of people who have lost their lives, the thousands who have been injured, and their families.  

We are gravely concerned by the escalating humanitarian crisis that is leading to widespread suffering among civilians, particularly women, children, and elderly people.  

OTTAWA, ON - As we mark two years since the leadership change in Afghanistan, the humanitarian crisis is widespread and the need for international support is desperately needed. Access to health care, food, water, sanitation, education, and other social and economic needs remain a challenge for people in Afghanistan. While local actors are working tirelessly to address these needs, Canadian organizations are keen to once again provide support for this work. 

The Aid for Afghanistan Coalition welcomes the adoption of Bill C-41 as a first step in enabling Canadian aid organizations to provide crucial humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan and other similar contexts. This legislation is needed to give Canadian aid organizations a path forward to ensure those who are in need of assistance receive it, regardless of where they are located.