Canada's Arms Exports to Israel Continue Amidst Genocide and Starvation in Gaza

Strategic Insights -

NDP critic Heather McPherson has condemned the Liberal government's continued arms exports to Israel, despite the ongoing genocide and starvation in Gaza. A new report from civil society confirms that Canada's arms exports are continuing, contradicting the government's claims that they have stopped. This contravenes international and domestic law, as well as the Liberal government's obligations under the Genocide Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty.

Key Takeaways:

  • A damning new report from civil society confirms that Canada's arms exports to Israel are continuing, despite the ongoing genocide and starvation in Gaza.
  • The report contradicts the Liberal government's claims that they have stopped sending weapons to Israel and confirms Canada's non-compliance with international and domestic law.
  • NDP critic Heather McPherson has urged the government to release information on Canada's arms exports to Israel, and after a parliamentary committee motion was passed, the government was forced to release some documents.
  • The International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision in January 2024 found that all states, including Canada, must take action to end complicity in Israel's genocide in Gaza.
  • Canada's ongoing arms transfers to Israel contravene the ICJ decision and the Liberal government's obligations under the Genocide Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty.
  • The NDP has been calling for a two-way arms embargo on Israel for over a year, but the Liberal government has refused, leading to public outcry and calls for the government to take action.
  • The NDP is urging the government to apply maximum pressure on Netanyahu to end the genocide and advance peace, including imposing a two-way arms embargo, sanctioning Israeli leaders, and recognizing the State of Palestine.

Statistics:

  • 2024: The year in which the International Court of Justice made a decision on Canada's complicity in Israel's genocide in Gaza.
  • January 2024: The month in which the ICJ decision was made.
  • February 2024: The month in which NDP critic Heather McPherson urged the government to release information on Canada's arms exports to Israel.
  • 1 year: The length of time for which the NDP has been calling for a two-way arms embargo on Israel.

Sources:

  • The New Democratic Party of Canada (date not specified)
  • Heather McPherson (NDP critic for Foreign Affairs) (date not specified)
  • International Court of Justice (decision: January 2024)