Canada Faces Lawsuit Against Pro-Palestinian Group Over Accusations That Ottawa Exports Military Goods, Tech to Israel

Canada's ministry of global affairs is being sued by a group of Canadian attorneys for allegedly selling Israel military hardware and supplies during the Gaza War. The attorneys are arguing that the exports could potentially be used in alleged human rights violations against Palestinians.

Canada has approved export permits totaling at least C$28.5m ($21m) to Israel since the conflict began on 7 October. Ottawa refutes allegations that these exports are illegal, stating that the items were described as "non-lethal," as per BBC News.

Canada's Military Exports to Israel

(Photo : JOHANNA GERON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly looks on during a news conference with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell (unseen), as The European Union "is ready" to respond to a Russian intervention in Ukraine with "massive" economic and financial sanctions, in Brussels, on January 20, 2022. - Tensions have increased in recent months around Ukraine, which the West believes is under threat of a potential Russian invasion.

This legal action is being led by four individuals and many organizations, including Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights and Al-Haq. They argue that the most recent licenses that Canada has issued for the shipment of arms to Israel are higher than the values that were allowed in the previous year.

The Canadian government's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Global Affairs Canada, asserts that the country's export control system is very strong and places a high priority on complying to human rights beliefs. In recent years, Israel has not been granted any authorization for the export of weapons, according to a spokeswoman who stressed that the permits that have been granted in recent times have only been for non-lethal ammunition and equipment.

The legal action comes after comparable steps were taken against NATO members such as the United States and the Netherlands, which are facing litigation over their involvement in the fighting in Gaza. As a result of concerns over the possibility of violations of international law, the Dutch government was recently given the order to stop all sale of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel.

In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has consistently asserted Israel's right to self-defense while senior officials advocate for an immediate and sustained ceasefire. Protests against Canada's military support for Israel have gained momentum, with recent demonstrations outside weapons company facilities across the country, according to Reuters.

Canada Over Gaza Crisis Impact From Arms Exports

The purpose of the legal action is to ensure that Canada is held accountable for any potential impacts it may have had on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Applicants contend that the exportation of military equipment may be increasing the severity of the conflict, leading to widespread famine and heavy bombing. There was a considerable rise in the number of licenses issued to Israel from October 7, 2022, according to reports, which indicates that Canada's shipments of armaments to Israel topped $15 million.

Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights previously urged the government to halt all exports, expressing concerns about potential human rights violations against Palestinians. Despite government assurances that recent permits are for non-lethal equipment, the exact nature and dollar value of these exports remain undisclosed.

The lawsuit highlights Canada's responsibilities under international law, such as the Arms Trade Treaty, to prevent exports that may compromise peace, security, or lead to substantial violations of humanitarian and human rights laws. While the court struggle is still ongoing, the case is bringing attention to the detail that surrounds military exports, the potential impact that they may have, and the necessity of having decision-making procedures that are open and transparent, Al Jazeera reported.