Israel and the Palestinians have been in conflict for decades. The deadliest phase began on October 7, 2023, when — the group that then governed Gaza — attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza has since killed more than 73,000 Palestinians and displaced almost the entire population. A US-brokered ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2025: all living hostages were released and humanitarian aid increased, but the truce is fragile — over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since it began, and Israel still controls much of Gaza.
Canada is part of this story: it exports military goods to Israel, funds humanitarian aid, recognized Palestinian statehood in 2025, and votes at the UN — so Canadian policy, and Canadian voices, still matter as the focus shifts to enforcing the ceasefire, reconstruction, and accountability.
73,000+
Palestinians killed since Oct. 2023
1,000+
Palestinians killed since the Oct. 2025 ceasefire began
34
Canadian military export permits to Israel suspended in 2024
Sept 2025
Canada recognized the State of Palestine