Canada Halts Arms Shipments to Israel Over Gaza

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n a significant move amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Canada has announced the cessation of all arms exports to Israel. This decision, confirmed by a Canadian government official on March 19, marks a notable shift in Canada’s stance toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has drawn swift reactions from both sides.

The decision to halt arms shipments comes amidst mounting international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, where a protracted conflict has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis. With hundreds of thousands of Gazans on the brink of famine and widespread devastation, pressure has been mounting on countries supplying arms to Israel to reassess their policies.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded to Canada’s decision, expressing regret and asserting Israel’s right to self-defense. Katz criticized the move, stating that it undermines Israel’s security and warning that history will judge Canada’s action harshly. The response underscores the sensitivity and gravity of the decision, which has implications for diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Support from the US

Canada’s foreign minister, Melanie Joly, explained the rationale behind the decision in an interview with the Toronto Star newspaper. Joly cited the situation on the ground, characterized by ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis, as the driving factor behind the halt in arms exports to Israel.

The move has garnered support from some quarters, including U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who welcomed Canada’s decision. Sanders emphasized the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and called for a cessation of military support to Israel. The endorsement from prominent figures highlights the global attention and concern surrounding the situation in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Canada’s decision to halt arms shipments to Israel marks a departure from its previous policies. Historically, Israel has been a significant recipient of Canadian arms exports, with millions of dollars’ worth of military equipment shipped annually. However, in light of recent events and mounting criticism, Canada has opted to reassess its relationship with Israel and prioritize humanitarian considerations.

Broader international efforts to address the crisis in Gaza

The cessation of arms exports is not only a symbolic gesture but also a practical step toward addressing the root causes of the conflict and promoting a peaceful resolution. By cutting off the supply of weapons to Israel, Canada aims to reduce the violence and contribute to efforts aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire and eventual resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The decision comes amidst broader international efforts to address the crisis in Gaza and advance peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. In recent months, there has been a renewed push for a two-state solution, with calls for the international community to intervene and facilitate dialogue between the parties.

In Canada, the decision to halt arms shipments to Israel has received bipartisan support, with the Canadian Parliament passing a nonbinding resolution calling for a two-state solution. The resolution reflects growing consensus within Canada’s political establishment on the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and underscores the importance of international cooperation in achieving this goal.

While Canada’s decision may face criticism from some quarters, it signals a principled stance on human rights and international law. By halting arms exports to Israel, Canada reaffirms its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and respect for human rights in the Middle East and beyond. As the conflict in Gaza continues to unfold, Canada’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and adherence to humanitarian principles in resolving conflicts and advancing peace.

Source: The New Arab