Pro-Palestinian group takes legal action against Canada over 'Israel'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
6 Mar 2024 14:48
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Since October 7, Canada has granted approvals for military exports to "Israel" totaling at least $21.0 million, surpassing the value of permits issued in the preceding year.

Demonstrators in support of Palestinians wear "Gaza" painted on their faces during a rally to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, at Dorchester Square in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on November 18, 2023. (AFP)

Canadian pro-Palestinian and human rights activists initiated legal action against the federal government, seeking to halt the permission granted to companies for exporting military goods and technology to the Israeli occupation.

In a federal court filing, the lawsuit contends that existing Canadian laws prohibit military exports to "Israel" due to a "substantial risk" that such exports could be utilized to breach international law and engage in severe acts of violence against women and children. This information comes from a statement released by the applicants.

This is happening as the Health Ministry in Gaza reported that the total number of Palestinians killed in the Gaza Strip since the Israeli aggression on Gaza started on October 7 has risen to 30,717, in addition to 72,156 injuries.

Since October 7, Ottawa has granted approvals for military exports to "Israel" totaling at least C$28.5 million ($21.0 million), surpassing the value of permits issued in the preceding year, as per the applicants.

"Our policy on export permits has not changed. Canada has one of the strongest export controls systems in the world, and respect for human rights is enshrined in our export controls legislation," a spokesperson for the Global Affairs Canada department said in a written statement.

"In recent years, the government has not received, and therefore not approved, any export permits for weapons to Israel. The permits issued since October 7th, and in fact all permits that are currently open, are for non-lethal equipment," the spokesperson added.

Lawsuits related to the ongoing Israeli genocide against Palestinians in Gaza have been initiated against NATO allies, including the United States and the Netherlands. In a recent ruling, a Dutch court mandated the government to cease all exports of F-35 fighter jet parts to "Israel", citing concerns about their potential involvement in violations of international law.

The Israeli genocide has led to frequent pro-Palestinian demonstrations in prominent Canadian cities. Just last week, protesters convened at the facility of gun manufacturer Colt Canada in Kitchener, Ontario, despite a surge in anti-Palestinian repression, with concerns raised about politicians and municipal police forces displaying racist behavior.