Aid for Gaza waits at border as concerns for Islamophobia in Canada rise

As the war between Israel and Hamas enters day 14, a humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening as two American hostages become the first to be released by the militant group.

In Canada, concerns are rising over the war becoming the breeding ground for a rise in Islamophobia throughout the country a sentiment echoed by one local Imam.

Trucks filled with essential medicines, food supplies and specialized nutrition for children are waiting at the Rafah Gate in Egypt, the only crossing out of Gaza that is not controlled by Israel.

The humanitarian crisis has only worsened for Gaza’s 2.3 million civilians since Hamas attacked Israel two weeks ago.

On Friday, the United Nations said it was in advanced talks with all parties in the conflict to ensure an aid operation could soon be conducted in Gaza.

WATCH MORE: Israel says it will let food, water, and medicine reach southern Gaza through Egypt

As the situation in Gaza grows increasingly grim, many in Canada have been voicing their support for Palestinians with rallies being held throughout the country.

The federal special representative for combatting Islamophobia is now warning against allowing the war to become a catalyst for stereotyping and violence against Muslim Canadians.

“Locally I have received many reports from members of my congregations, and different members of the community in the GTHA, of how they have been attacked. We’ve heard of people losing their jobs as a result of expressing their views and opinions.” says Ayman Taher, an Imam at Ibrahim Jame Mosque.

He is pointing to the fallout from a post made by Hamilton Centre MPP Sarah Jama, who has threatened to sue Premier Doug Ford for accusing her of anti-semitism over comments she made in support of Palestinians.

WATCH MORE: Sarah Jama threatens to sue Doug Ford over Israel-Hamas statements

“Our Premier has been pushing, using his authority to intimidate her, prevent her from being vocal, expressing her voice. We need to take an active role in reaching out to our officials and explain to them how they’re views is hurting us locally and it’s also hurting Muslim’s globally.” says Taher.

Those who attend Hamilton’s Ibrahim Jame Mosque say that education is key in preventing the war from fueling Islamophobia here in Canada.

Speaking with reporters on Friday, Justin Trudeau reiterated the commitment to a two-state solution being reached between Israel and Palestine, but has yet to outline what Canada would like to see for Gaza.

“The world and the region needs a peaceful, safe, prosperous, Palestinian state, alongside a peaceful, prosperous, democratic, Israeli state. It’s something we have always called for, it’s something that we have continued to call for everyday,” said Trudeau.

WATCH MORE: Canada ‘firm and steadfast’ in call for two-state solution for Israel, Palestinians

Meanwhile, Hamas released two American hostages to the Israeli forces on Thursday.

Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natalie Raanan are from Chicago and were visiting relatives in a Kibbutz that was attacked nearly two weeks ago.

Hamas says the release was done on Humanitarian grounds because Judith is in poor health.

The deal was brokered by negotiations between the militant group and the government of Qatar.

At this time they are the only hostages to be released among the nearly two hundred currently being held by Hamas.

WATCH MORE: Ontario politicians discuss censuring Jama over Israel-Hamas statement