OTTAWA: Pro-Palestinian and human rights group in Canada filed a lawsuit against the federal government on Tuesday to stop it from export of military equipment and technology to Israel.
A federal court case, argues that Canadian laws do not allow military exports to Israel as there is considerable risk they could be used to violate international law and carryout serious acts of violence against children and women.
Israel launched a ground and air assault on the Gaza strip nearly five months ago killing more than 30,000 people including women and children.
The applicants in a statement said Ottawa has authorized at least $21.0 million worth of new permits for military exports to Israel.
Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights group, the Palestinian organization Al-Haq and four individuals are among the applicants.
NATO allies the United States and the Netherlands are also facing lawsuits over the war in Gaza. Last month, a Dutch court ordered the government to stop all exports of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel over concerns of violation of international law.
Israel’s military offensive has triggered regular pro-Palestinian protests in all major Canadian cities. Last week, demonstrators gathered at gun making factory in Kitchener, Ontario.
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau has reputedly said Israel has the right to defend itself after the Hamas attack in October. Though senior officials have called for an immediate ceasefire in the war-hit Gaza.
