It is also important to point out that for Palestinians there is no “ceasefire”. This is part of the complacency that Mr. Khan speaks of and which the article feeds into somewhat by focussing on a mental health program while de-emphasizing the widespread carnage and the destruction of so much of Gaza's infrastructure.
Dear Dylan Robertson and Editors at Meadowlake Now and CP,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) about your article “Canadian charity opens relief hub for children in Gaza” published on January 13, 2026.
While I appreciate the information provided in this article a reader would come away thinking that things are slowly getting better for children in Gaza. Nothing could be further from the truth. Conditions in Gaza for children continue to be catastrophic due to Israel's ongoing siege and genocidal behaviour.
While the psychological and mental trauma of Gaza’s children is critical, their physical survival remains under threat due to Israel’s blockade of basic food, medical supplies and shelter. This reality is a huge part of the story and it deserves more weight in the article. Oxfam-Quebec is also working in Gaza and the front page of their website states “Israel’s genocide has plunged Gaza into the final chaotic stages of a total humanitarian catastrophe.”
I also believe that you should include specific context of the banning of Oxfam Canada / Quebec from operating in Gaza by Israel. Oxfam is one of 37 major international aid agencies facing suspension or loss of licences to operate in Gaza. This is an essential context that audiences need to understand for a full account of the dire situation in Gaza. Please update your article to include this information.
I commend you for speaking with Usama Khan regarding HCI’s work via UNICEF and for including his revelation that Israel is also restricting children's toys into Gaza. He also says, “Since the ceasefire, things are definitely more open and moving” -- but "more open and moving" after months of nothing should not make us feel comforted.
It is also important to point out that for Palestinians there is no “ceasefire”. This is part of the complacency that Mr. Khan speaks of and which the article feeds into somewhat by focussing on a mental health program while de-emphasizing the widespread carnage and the destruction of so much of Gaza's infrastructure.
The last paragraph mentions a very short list of Israeli atrocities while also repeating the Israeli lie that the blame is on Hamas. The Canada Well is mentioned, without explanation, but not the decimated health care system? All of Gaza's hospitals have been damaged. Fewer than half are currently functioning, and these only partially, under extraordinarily difficult conditions.
I would respectfully ask that you consider the barbaric conditions Palestinians have been enduring for over two years when covering stories of Gaza and not underplay the dire conditions that have been imposed on them by Israel.
Thank you for reading and I look forward to your response.
Jeff Winch