Canada Objects to Report Saying It’s Allowing Weapons Exports to Israel
Canada last week objected to a report saying that the country is continuing to export weapons to Israel despite announcing restrictions on those shipments earlier this year.
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The report, issued by a group of Palestinian advocates with the Palestinian Youth Movement, Arms Embargo Now and World Beyond War, said Israeli customs data shows that Canadian arms are still being exported to Israel regularly.
Anita Anand, Canada’s foreign affairs minister, said in a statement Aug. 2 that Canada has “refused any new” export permits for controlled goods that could be used in Gaza since January. “Not one has been approved,” she said.
She also said Canada in 2024 froze all existing export permits “that could have allowed military components to be used in Gaza, and those permits remain suspended today.” Anand said Canada will impose penalties on export violators.
“The law is clear: no company may export controlled goods without a valid permit,” she said. “We will not hesitate to ensure that those who violate this law face legal consequences that include fines, seizures and criminal prosecution.”
Anand also said the report contained “misleading” claims that “significantly misrepresent the facts.” Although it pointed to shipments of mortars and other lethal weapons that have been sent to Israel from Canada, “no mortars have been shipped from Canadian manufacturers to Israel, either directly or indirectly, since before permits were suspended.” Anand also disputed claims that “explosive materials” such as bullets or other munitions have been sent via passenger aircraft to Israel.
“We take any allegations of circumventing of Canada’s export regime very seriously and, if true, these would be accompanied by severe legal sanctions,” she said.