Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is doubling down on Canada’s call for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza as Muslims across the country begin their month-long fast.
“As Muslim communities begin observing Ramadan tonight, I know the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is weighing heavy on their celebrations,” Trudeau tweeted Sunday evening.
“I’m reaffirming Canada’s call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, and for aid to reach civilians in need—without delay,” he continued.
Some users welcomed his message.
“Acknowledging the importance of Ramadan, Canada reaffirms its call for a ceasefire in Gaza and urgent humanitarian aid distribution. Important solidarity,” one X user wrote.
“Thank you, Canadian PM, for your compassionate leadership during Ramadan, advocating for a ceasefire and urgent aid in Gaza,” another said.
However, others aren’t impressed.
“Humanitarian pause means temporary cessation of hostilities in order to deliver humanitarian aid. Since ‘pause’ doesn’t sound politically correct Liberal world uses “humanitarian ceasefire” just to avoid saying we don’t support the end of war/permanent ceasefire,” someone else said.
“You supported the slaughter of Palestinians from day 1. You also helped starve Palestinians when you pulled your funding for UNRWA over fraudulent allegations and refused to put pressure on Israel to allow aid in. A humanitarian ceasefire (pause) is to continue the genocide,” another added.
Others called out his government for reportedly sending millions of dollars in military exports to Israel.
According to Reuters, last week, pro-Palestinian and human rights advocates in Canada filed a lawsuit against the federal government to stop the country from letting companies send military goods and technology to the Middle East to be used against civilians.
According to the reports, the lawsuit says there are major risks that exports are being used to commit serious acts of violence against the innocent, including women and children, which violates international law.
Last month, over 300 Muslim institutions and mosques across Canada penned an open letter to the federal government saying they are not welcome in religious spaces ahead of Ramadan unless they condemn the Israel-Gaza war.
The move was spearheaded by the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) who has been vocal about the ongoing violence in Gaza and how millions are starving due to lack of aid.
Most recently, on International Women’s Day, it shared a message on what women are experiencing overseas.
“Mothers, daughters, and sisters of Gaza and Palestine are fighting for their survival. They are struggling for food, for their children, and for their families,” the organization said.
“Women always suffer disproportionately during times of war and mass violence. Gaza is one of the worst war zones of this century. Standing up for the women, and all women in similar circumstances, means ending the bloodshed visited upon them,” it continued.
