Canadian Foreign Minister: Arms Export Freeze to Israel Continues

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly noted on Wednesday that Ottawa has not approved new permits for arms exports to Israel since January 8, and this freeze will continue until Ottawa can ensure that the weapons will be used appropriately. Joly added in a statement via email that export permits approved before January 8 remain valid. She mentioned, "Canada has one of the strongest export permit systems in the world. There are no open permits for exporting lethal products to Israel." Canadian law prohibits arms exports if there is a likelihood they will be used in "serious violations of international humanitarian law" or "serious acts of violence against women and children." The Canadian Parliament approved a non-binding motion on Monday regarding the Gaza conflict, urging the government to "prevent any further approvals for arms exports to Israel and any transfers thereof." The political survival of the Liberal Party government depends on the support it receives from the left-leaning New Democratic Party, which is pushing for a tougher stance on Israel due to the Gaza conflict.