Rafah Under Attack: Call on Canada to stop the attack on Rafah and protect innocent lives now.
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May 27, 2024
In the early hours of May 27, 2024, Canadians woke up to more horrifying news from Gaza.
Islamic Relief Canada is deeply concerned by the reports of dozens of civilians in Rafah, including children, being burned to death in their tents as they sought safety, food, and shelter amidst Israel’s latest assault. These families, already displaced and in desperate need of humanitarian aid, were seeking safety in temporary shelters when they were tragically targeted. The current situation leaves no safe haven for civilians in Gaza.
This incident occurred just days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel must end its assault on Gaza immediately. Despite this legally binding ruling, Israel continues its military operations.
How many more innocent lives must be lost before Canada condemns these brutal assaults on Rafah?
The Government of Canada must support the ICJ ruling and help to ensure that it is respected and enforced by all means necessary. There must be an immediate ceasefire, and vital humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach those in need.
Add your voice! Urge Canada to protect innocent civilians and condemn the invasion of Rafah. Take action now, send an email to your political representative.
May 6, 2024
On the morning of May 6, Palestinians seeking refuge in Eastern parts of Rafah received an order to evacuate for safety in advance of Israel’s assault. The warning stated that Israel “is about to operate with great force” in the area and directed people to evacuate to the so-called ‘humanitarian zone’ of Al Mawasi.
Heavy bombing in Rafah overnight has reportedly killed many civilians, including several children. Israel’s invasion of Rafah will have catastrophic humanitarian consequences for the more than 1.2 million people who are displaced and now sheltering in dire conditions in Rafah.
Once again, civilians in Rafah are being told to evacuate as Rafah remains under attack, but there is no safe place to go.
Israel’s warning for civilians to evacuate Rafah and flee to Al Mawasi is futile as Al Mawasi is not safe. Civilians sheltering there have reported they continue to face attacks and severe shortages of food, water, and other vital aid.
Forcing more people there will only worsen the catastrophic humanitarian crisis, leaving the most vulnerable at risk, the sick, the wounded, the elderly, newborn infants and people with disabilities who cannot evacuate without support.
International Humanitarian Law must be upheld. Civilian lives must be protected, and Israel must obey international humanitarian law. Ordering people to leave does not absolve Israel of its legal obligations.
What happens now? The invasion of Rafah must not be allowed to go ahead. The Canadian Government must condemn the brutal attack and call for an immediate ceasefire in order to save lives.
Add your voice! Urge Canada to protect innocent civilians and condemn the invasion of Rafah. Take action now, send an email to your political representative.