Canada urges all Gaza crossings open as Switzerland sends tents to 3,500

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand called for all crossings into Gaza to open and obstacles to aid to be removed, without naming Israel. Switzerland announced it would send 300 family tents and 2,000 tarpaulins through the International Organization for Migration.

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand called for all crossings into the Gaza Strip to open, with goods and supplies allowed to reach the enclave without obstruction through international organizations, as heavy rain and flooding struck displaced people's tents.

In a statement, Anand said: “As heavy rain and flooding continue in Gaza, conditions are becoming increasingly desperate for families already facing a devastating humanitarian crisis. Flooded shelters and falling temperatures are putting lives at even greater risk.” She added that residents urgently need food, sturdy shelter, warm clothing, heating equipment and essential supplies.

وزيرة الخارجية الكندية أنيتا أناند

“All crossings” without naming Israel

The Canadian minister said she had discussed the issue with G7 partners this week, stressing that Canada “will remain a significant donor and advocate for humanitarian aid that must reach those who need it.” She continued: “We continue to call for all crossings to open... We join the call for action and urge all parties to remove the remaining obstacles so this aid can reach families without further delay.”

Anadolu reported that Anand did not mention Israel by name, referring only to “all parties.” Her call came hours after UN relief coordinator Tom Fletcher said that waiting for the formation of a new Israeli government “is not an acceptable excuse” for delaying the entry of winter supplies.

فلسطيني يزيل مياه الأمطار بين خيام النازحين في غزة

Swiss aid for around 3,500 people

The Swiss Foreign Ministry said that “thousands of displaced families are now in urgent need of shelter following severe flooding,” adding that Switzerland was preparing 300 family tents equipped with winter supplies and 2,000 tarpaulins to help around 3,500 people through the International Organization for Migration.

The ministry added that the aid would be accompanied by a contribution of 2 million Swiss francs (around $2.5 million) to the International Organization for Migration’s “Common Pipeline” program, which supports the provision of humanitarian supplies.

Erdoğan: We want to send containers, but we are not allowed

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had referred to Gaza’s winter at the opening of the COP31 leaders’ summit in Antalya, saying that Palestinians in the enclave had been “condemned to live in tents amid a swamp of mud.” He added: “Do these people not even deserve a tent? We want to send containers, but permission is not granted.”

Photos: Anadolu

Canada urges all Gaza crossings open as Switzerland sends tents to 3,500