Canada Halts Arms Shipments to Israel Amid Gaza Crisis
Canada has made the decision to halt all arms shipments to Israel, a move that has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from the Israeli government amidst the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. The besieged Palestinian territory is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of Gazans on the brink of famine due to months of war.
Background of the Decision
Canada, a key ally of the United States, had already scaled back its weapons shipments to Israel following deadly attacks by Hamas in October 2023. The Canadian government has now decided to stop all future arms exports to Israel, citing the current situation on the ground as a determining factor.
Reactions to the Decision
Israel has strongly criticized Canada’s decision, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz stating that it undermines Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas. On the other hand, United States Sen. Bernie Sanders has welcomed the move, highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calling for a halt to military aid to Israel.
Historical Context
Israel has been a significant recipient of Canadian arms exports, with millions of dollars worth of military equipment exported to Israel in recent years. However, Ottawa has only been sending nonlethal shipments, such as communications equipment, since the October 7 attacks.
International Response
The bloodiest-ever Gaza war erupted following the October 7 attacks, resulting in a significant loss of life on both sides. The conflict has prompted calls for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians from the Canadian parliament and has sparked legal challenges in various countries over arms deliveries to Israel.