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Allegations of Canadian Complicity in Israeli Atrocities Through Military Exports

Wednesday 06 March 2024 - 13:35

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In a significant legal development, a coalition comprising Palestinian-Canadian human rights advocates and lawyers has initiated legal action against the Canadian government regarding its military export dealings with Israel. The plaintiffs assert that Canada's approval of military equipment transfers to Israel implicates it in the atrocities perpetrated against Palestinians during the ongoing conflict.

This lawsuit, led by Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR) and Palestinian rights group Al-Haq, in conjunction with affected Canadian citizens, was lodged in federal court this week. Its primary objective is to compel Ottawa to immediately cease issuing permits for the export of military gear to Israel, contending that such transfers contravene Canadian law and international human rights obligations.

Hammam Farah, a plaintiff and member of the coalition behind the suit, vehemently criticized the Canadian government, stating, "It's cruel and reprehensible that our government has continued to provide material support to Israel's atrocities, while at the same time cutting off humanitarian support to the victims of those same atrocities."

The complainants include Palestinians residing in Canada who have suffered losses in the Gaza conflict. They argue that under the Export and Import Permits Act, Canada must refuse export permits if there is "a substantial risk" that the goods could undermine peace and security or facilitate violations of international law – circumstances they assert are applicable to Israel's military operations.

According to UN figures, since the outbreak of renewed hostilities on October 7th between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, over 30,500 Palestinians, primarily unarmed civilians, including children, have been killed.

Although Ottawa has imposed restrictions on exporting arms and full weapons systems to Israel for decades, permits for "non-lethal" military equipment and gear have continued to be routinely approved, as confirmed by a spokesperson from Global Affairs Canada.

The legal challenge names Foreign Minister Melanie Joly and Justice Minister Arif Virani as defendants, citing a lack of response from Joly's office following the coalition's attempts to address the matter through formal communications.

Similar lawsuits concerning military assistance to Israel have been initiated in other countries, such as the Netherlands. UN officials have cautioned that such transfers risk violating international humanitarian law.

In an official statement, the coalition characterized the exports as clear violations of Canada's legal obligations, stating, "Canada is fueling the campaign of violence, colonization, and apartheid being perpetrated against the Palestinian people."