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Canada has reiterated its commitment to blocking military exports that could be used in Gaza, firmly rejecting claims made in a recent report suggesting that weapons continue to be sent to Israel. The clarification came in response to a report dated July 29, which alleged ongoing arms transfers despite government assurances to the contrary.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Foreign Minister Anita Anand stated, “Canada has taken a firm stance. Since January 2024, we have not approved a single new permit for controlled goods that could be deployed in Gaza.”
She added that Ottawa went further by suspending all existing permits in 2024 that could have allowed the export of military components to the region. Those suspensions, she confirmed, remain in force.
Anand stressed that Canadian law clearly bars the export of controlled military goods without an authorised permit, warning that any breaches would result in legal penalties such as fines, confiscation of materials, and possible criminal prosecution. “We will not permit Canadian-manufactured weapons to play any role in this conflict,” she emphasised.
After reviewing the July 29 report, the Foreign Ministry concluded that several of the claims made were either misleading or outright distortions of the facts. Anand clarified that items described as “bullets” were, in fact, paintball-style rounds paired with equipment that renders firearms incapable of firing live ammunition. These items are not suitable for combat use and, if they were, they would require export permits that would not be granted.
She further stated that no mortar systems have been exported—either directly or indirectly—from Canadian companies to Israel since the permit freeze was enacted.
The contested report was produced by researchers from four NGOs: World Beyond War, the Palestinian Youth Movement, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, and Independent Jewish Voices. It drew on data from the Israel Tax Authority, claiming that military-grade goods from Canada, including weapons parts and ammunition, continued to reach Israel.
At a press conference in Ottawa, Yara Shoufani of the Palestinian Youth Movement said the report reveals Canada’s ongoing material support for Israel, despite official claims to the contrary. Activists also cited commercial shipping records indicating the continued transfer of ammunition and military equipment from Canadian firms to Israel.
