441-02563 (Foreign affairs)

The Government of Canada shares the shock and horror felt across Canada – and around the world – at the brutal and unthinkable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023. The Government also recognizes the devastating toll faced by Palestinians as a result of the ensuing conflict. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The tragic loss of civilian lives – particularly women and children – is heartbreaking. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has been clear: too many Palestinian civilians have been killed; international law must be respected; and civilians must be protected. The violence must stop.

This is why Canada has been calling for an immediate ceasefire for many months. This is needed urgently, and it must not be one-sided. Hamas – a listed terrorist organization – must lay down its arms and release all hostages. Rapid, safe, and unimpeded access for humanitarian relief must be provided; the need for this assistance has never been greater. 

As the Minister of Foreign Affairs has outlined, Canada’s long-standing position is ultimately rooted three key principles: that Israel has a right to exist and by extension defend itself, in accordance with international humanitarian law; that protection of civilians is paramount; and that the Palestinian people have a right to self-determination. A sustainable ceasefire is a necessary path to towards securing lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians, and why the Government has remained committed to its long-standing goal of a two-state solution, including the creation of a Palestinian state, where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in peace, security, and dignity.

Canada is one of the world’s largest donors of assistance to address the current crisis. To date, Canada has announced $165 million in international assistance to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis, including a matching fund of $13.7 million. Recognizing the critical role played by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in providing experience, infrastructure, and logistical capabilities to support other aid organizations, as well as the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, Canada also showed leadership in becoming the first country to resume its funding on March 8, 2024. Canada will continue to work with fellow donors, the UN, and UNRWA to ensure that all recommendations relating to strengthening oversight, accountability, and transparency are fully implemented; a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism is enforced; and the principle of neutrality is fully respected in UNRWA activities.

The Government of Canada also remains committed to full compliance with its export control regime, which is one of the most rigorous in the world. This was strengthened by Canada’s accession to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in 2019, which was enshrined into the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA) alongside enhanced public reporting requirements. All permit applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis as part of a robust risk assessment, including against ATT criteria. Canada’s missions abroad are consulted as part of the export permit review process, considering the local and regional situation and associated security risks. Permits to export controlled goods and technology from Canada will not be issued if there is a substantial risk that they could be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of International Human Rights or Humanitarian Law.  It is also worth noting that all controlled goods exported from Canada through the United States to a third country (i.e. transit/transshipment) require a Canadian export permit for the third country when they leave Canada. 

All permits issued for the export of military goods and technologies destined to Israel between October 7, 2023, and January 8, 2024 – as well as all previously approved permits which remain in effect – are for non-lethal items. The government has not approved any new permits since January 8, 2024.  The Government is also fully engaged in responding to the provisions of the motion passed by the House of Commons on March 18, 2024.

Pursuant to the Import Control List, a permit is required for the import for a number of items such as chemical weapons convention items, small- and large-calibre weapons, ammunition, bombs, pyrotechnics, tanks and self-propelled guns, as well as components and parts specifically designed for these items. No such permits have been issued for the import of items from Israel in either 2023 or 2024.