OTTAWA: Foreign Minister of Canada, Melanie Joly’s office on Wednesday confirmed that Ottawa is going to halt all shipments of arms to Israel over its approach towards war in Gaza.
The decision of the Canadian government has drawn the ire of Israeli leaders facing growing global scrutiny over its war in the Gaza Strip.
The besieged Palestinian enclave is facing a dire humanitarian crisis, and months of war have moved hundreds of thousands of the people of Gaza to the brink of famine.
Canada, an ally of the United States, which gives billions of dollars a year in military aid to Israel, had already reduced its shipments to Israel.
A statement from Joly’s office said since January 8th the government has not approved new arms export permits to Israel. It said that export permits approved before to January 8, would remain in effect,
Israel denounced the decision of the Canadian government, with foreign minister of Israel Katz saying it undermines Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas.
US Senator Bernie Sanders welcoming the move said due to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, including growing starvation, the US should not provide another nickel for Netanyahu’s war machine.
Israeli bombardment kills 31,923 people in Gaza
According to Gaza’s health ministry Israeli bombardment has killed at least 31,923 people, most of them women and children.
While affirming Israel’s right to defend itself, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has adopted a critical stance toward Israel due to mounting civilian deaths in Gaza.
The Parliament of Canada on Monday, passed a resolution demanding the global community to work toward a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel.
