Canada has halted around 30 arms export permits to Israel, including a deal between a US company’s Canadian subsidiary and the US government, Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, announced yesterday.
These permits had been approved before a January ban on new weapons’ sales that could potentially be used in Gaza, which is grappling with an escalating humanitarian crisis due to Israel’s ongoing attacks against the enclave.
Foreign Minister Joly also revealed that she had initiated a review of contracts between Canadian weapons suppliers and Israel, along with other countries. She said, “Following that, I suspended around 30 existing permits of Canadian companies.”
She further emphasised that the government will not permit Canadian-made ammunition, produced by the Canadian division of the US-based General Dynamics, to be sold or transferred through third-party countries for resale to Israel.
“As for the question regarding General Dynamics, our policy is clear,” Joly added. “We will not have any form of arms, or parts of arms, be sent to Gaza. Period. How they’re being sent and where they’re being sent is irrelevant. And so, therefore, my position is clear, the position of the government is clear, and we’re in contact with General Dynamics.” ….more
