Canada on Monday accused Israel of causing famine in the Gaza Strip and breaching its international obligations by refusing to allow access to humanitarian aid and warned that the offensive against Gaza City will worsen its effects, especially among children.

In a statement, Secretary Canada’s State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, said that “the ongoing conflict and the Israeli government’s military actions have made famine a devastating reality for Palestinians in Gaza.” “Canada is deeply alarmed by the appalling deterioration of conditions in Gaza and the increasing number of civilian deaths, including children, from starvation. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Independent Famine Review Committee issued a report confirming that a famine is occurring in Gaza province and is likely to occur in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis provinces in the coming weeks. Civilians – men, women and children – are dying because sufficient humanitarian aid is not being allowed into Gaza,” he insisted in a statement. “An intensified military offensive in Gaza City would further exacerbate the devastating effects on the civilian population, where famine conditions already exist,” he continued, adding that “Israel, as a world occupier, is not fulfilling its obligations.”

Sarai also indicated that “this famine can be stopped” but that Israel is refusing to allow and facilitate “the passage of humanitarian aid and not guaranteeing adequate supplies of food and medicine to the civilian population in Gaza.”

“Civilians (men, women and children) are dying because not enough humanitarian aid is being allowed into Gaza,” he said.

The Canadian representative concluded by noting that Ottawa is “exploring all avenues with its partners” such as airdropping humanitarian aid and that “an immediate and permanent ceasefire” is necessary.

For now, It was announced that Canada will continue to actively explore all avenues with its partners on the ground to alleviate the suffering. This includes airdrops and support for logistical operations to bring supplies to Gaza, as well as increased support for experienced UN, NGO, and Red Cross partners who can scale up the delivery of assistance to the population.