Secretary Sarai Addresses Gaza Famine Crisis
The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), today issued the following statement:
“Canada is deeply alarmed by the horrific deteriorating conditions in Gaza and by the increase in civilian deaths, among them children, from starvation. The independent Famine Review Committee of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification issued a report confirming that a famine is occurring in Gaza Governorate and likely to occur in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis governorates in the coming weeks. Civilians, men, women and children, are dying because sufficient humanitarian assistance is not being allowed into Gaza.
“The ongoing conflict and the Israeli government’s military actions have made famine a devastating reality for Palestinians in Gaza, and the crisis continues to grow. An intensified military offensive in Gaza City would further exacerbate the devastating impacts on civilians where famine conditions already exist. For many, especially the most vulnerable, access to life-saving assistance would become unattainable. Israel, as the occupying power, is failing to fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law by refusing to allow and facilitate the passage of humanitarian aid and by failing to ensure provision of adequate food and medical supplies to the civilian population in Gaza.
“This famine can be stopped and reversed if sufficient aid is allowed to flow safely and quickly to those in need. The UN-led humanitarian system has the experience, resources and networks needed to deliver at scale. The UN and NGO humanitarian organizations have undertaken enormous efforts, and humanitarian workers are putting their lives on the line, but they continue to face preventable impediments. There is an absolute imperative to act now.
“Canada continues to actively pursue all avenues with our partners on the ground to alleviate the suffering. This includes airdrops and support for logistical operations to get supplies into Gaza, and increased support for experienced UN, NGO and Red Cross partners that can scale up the delivery of assistance to those who need it most.
“We continue to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Hamas must release all hostages without delay and lay down their arms. This war must end now.”
https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2025/08/statement-by-secretary-of-state-sarai-on-famine-in-gaza.html