Canada imposes restrictions on export of weapons to Israel
Photo: Canada imposes restrictions on arms exports to Israel (flickr.com/ciska_van_geer)
Canada has not been issuing new permits for arms exports to Israel since January 8. The temporary ban on approving new contracts will remain in place until Ottawa can ensure that the weapons are being used in accordance with Canadian law, reports Reuters.
This decision is associated with pressure from left-wing parties on the government, which are calling for a tougher stance on Israel amid the fighting in the Gaza Strip. However, permits for exports approved before January 8 remain valid.
"Canada has one of the most rigorous export permit regimes in the world. There are no open permits for exports of lethal goods to Israel" the government statement said.
The announcement also stated that since January 8, the government has not issued new permits for the export of weapons to Israel, and this will continue until all departments can ensure full compliance with the export regime.
Canadian legislation prohibits the export of weapons if they could be used in "a serious violation of international humanitarian law" or "serious acts of violence against women and children." Ottawa must also consider whether this weapon "would contribute to peace and security or undermine it."
The Canadian Parliament previously passed a resolution on the conflict in the Gaza Strip, which includes a call on the government to "stop issuing permits for the export of weapons to Israel."
Israel-Hamas war
On October 7, 2023, militants from the Islamic movement Hamas attacked Israel from the territory of the Gaza Strip. According to official data, in the first days of the attacks, militants killed 1200 civilians and soldiers and kidnapped about 250 people.
At the end of October, the Israel Defense Forces launched a ground military operation in the Gaza Strip, which continues to this day. The country's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that the goal of the operation is the complete destruction of Hamas and the liberation of hostages.
On February 8, Netanyahu announced that a complete victory for the Israel Defense Forces was imminent. He also announced the readiness of the IDF to begin a ground invasion towards the city of Rafah near the border with Egypt in the south of the Gaza Strip.
The latest ceasefire negotiations failed when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Hamas's proposal for a four-and-a-half-month ceasefire as a "delusion," which would have ended with the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Israel threatened to advance on Rafah if Hamas did not release the hostages by Ramadan.
