Global Affairs Canada (GAC) confirmed on Monday that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have air-dropped 21,600 pounds of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, citing the severe limitations on land access imposed by the Israeli government. GAC emphasized that these actions, deemed a breach of international humanitarian law by the Israeli government, necessitate an immediate cessation to allow for the safe passage of aid.

Utilizing CC-130J Hercules aircraft, the CAF's operation followed a similar initiative by the Belgian Defence, which delivered 30,000 pounds of aid via an A400M aircraft. This operation, labeled Cerulean Skies 2 and led by Jordan, marks the beginning of a series of planned airdrops to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Amidst these efforts, Amnesty International has voiced concerns over the efficacy of airdrops, advocating for adherence to international laws and an immediate push towards a ceasefire. The organization stresses the importance of stopping arms transfers that could be used in international crimes, highlighting the need for more substantial measures than airdrops and maritime corridors to genuinely address the humanitarian needs of Gaza.

Echoing this sentiment, a collective of twenty-five NGOs released a statement urging global governments to go beyond temporary relief measures. They argue that the primary responsibility of these states is to prevent atrocities and apply political pressure to end both the continuous bombardments and the restrictions that hinder safe humanitarian operations.

In a related political move, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state at the upcoming UN General Assembly, contingent on an agreement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to demilitarize the newly recognized state.

This political context is intensified by a petition signed by nearly 20,000 Canadians, urging their government not only to facilitate the delivery of aid but also to deploy peacekeeping forces in Gaza to protect civilians from ongoing conflict and hardship. This collective voice from Canadian citizens reflects a growing concern and call for active involvement in resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.