Islamic Relief Canada Responds to Minister Joly’s Announcement on Cancelling Arms Export Permits to Israel

10 September, 2024

September 10th, 2024 – Today, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly held a press conference where she stated, "We will not have any arms or parts of arms be sent to Gaza. Period." She further revealed that her office has suspended approximately 30 existing export permits to Israel over the summer and has been engaged with the Quebec-based company involved in arms transfers through the US.

Last week, Canadian civil society - including Islamic Relief Canada - renewed calls for a complete embargo on military exports to Israel, warning that it is impossible for humanitarian agencies to provide basic support to Palestinians while Israel continues its brutal attacks on Gaza. 

Today's announcement is a critical update, and reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Nevertheless, questions remain about the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of Canada’s commitment to halting military equipment transfers to Israel. While Canada issued 348 arms export permits to Israel in 2023, only 30 of these permits have now been announced as cancelled.

Islamic Relief is calling on the Canadian government to issue a formal publication that moving forward, Canada is suspending all existing arms export permits to Israel and heading to Israel via third party states. We expect our government to do everything within its power to enforce a ceasefire, meet its legal obligations, uphold our shared values and promote peace and justice both at home and abroad. 

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