Canada Halts Arms Shipments to Israel

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The Canadian government has suspended dozens of arms shipments to Israel, according to Foreign Minister Melanie Joly. In a statement yesterday, Joly revealed that she had ordered a review of all contracts between Canadian arms suppliers and Israel, as well as other nations.

"As a result, I suspended around 30 export permits for Canadian companies this summer," Joly explained. The permits had been issued before Canada implemented an arms export ban in January. The government had previously decided to halt the supply of weapons to Israel, particularly those that could be used in the conflict in Gaza.

"Our policy is clear: We will ensure that no weapons or weapon components of any kind are sent to the Gaza Strip. Period," Joly stated.

The export ban also affects a shipment of ammunition that was being produced by the Canadian subsidiary of U.S. defense contractor General Dynamics for Israel. Joly added that the Canadian government is in contact with General Dynamics regarding the halted shipment.

This decision underscores Canada’s stance on preventing the further escalation of violence in conflict zones, with a focus on restricting military exports that could contribute to ongoing tensions in the region. However, the government continues to engage with defense companies affected by the policy to navigate the complex implications of the export suspension.