Civil society coalition urges Canada to stop arms transfers to Israel

 

Canada’s export of arms and weapons to Israel is fueling one of the deadliest and most destructive wars in modern history

Dear Minister Joly,

We, the undersigned civil society organizations, express profound concerns about the legal and humanitarian implications of Canada’s transfer of weapon systems to the government of Israel. These concerns have been further amplified following the January 26 provisional ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Since the onset of Israel’s response to the Hamas-led October 7 attacks, over 26,000 Palestinians, the majority civilians, including more than 10,000 children, have been killed in Gaza. Large parts of the Gaza Strip have experienced widespread devastation, including the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, refugee camps, and critical civilian infrastructure. Experts have labeled Israel’s bombing campaign as one of the “deadliest and most destructive in recent history.”

According to annual datasets published by Global Affairs Canada, over the last decade, Canada has exported more than $140 million (constant CAD) in military goods to Israel, including military aerospace components, bombs, missiles, explosives, and associated parts. There is substantial concern that some of these weapons could be enabling Israel’s operation in Gaza. In addition to direct exports, Canadian-produced technology has been supplied to Israel by first being integrated into US-produced systems, including components incorporated into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which Israel has used in its bombing campaign across Gaza.

Credible human rights monitors, including UN officials, have routinely alleged that Israel has violated international humanitarian and human rights law throughout its operation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has likened the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza to the “collective punishment of the Palestinian people.” Given Israel’s conduct during its ongoing military operation in Gaza, there is clear and substantial risk that Canadian arms transfers may be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law or international human rights law in the conflict.

As per Canada’s obligations under the Export and Import Permits Act and the Arms Trade Treaty, Canadian officials are therefore required to halt arms transfers and deny further arms export and brokering authorizations to Israel. (more...)

Civil society coalition urges Canada to stop arms transfers to Israel