The United States has faced criticism this week for selling over $20bn in weapons to Israel amid their conflict in Gaza. Canada’s involvement in this arms deal has raised concerns about transparency in the country’s arms export regime. The US-Canada Defence Production Sharing Agreement allows Canadian-made munitions to be sold to the US, which can then be transferred to countries like Israel without Canadian oversight.
Canadian human rights advocates have long condemned this lack of transparency, labeling it a dangerous flaw in the export system. The recent announcement by the US government that a Quebec-based company will be supplying millions of dollars worth of munitions to Israel has sparked outrage, as these weapons will not be subject to Canadian regulatory oversight.
Despite calls to halt arms transfers to Israel, Canada continues to participate in this arms deal through the US. Rights advocates are urging Canada to hold both the US and Israel accountable for their actions in the conflict. With the US failing to stop arms transfers despite evidence of rights abuses, Canadian authorities are being called upon to ensure that Canadian-made weapons do not contribute to human rights violations in the region.
As international pressure mounts for an arms embargo on Israel, Canada’s involvement in this arms deal has highlighted the need for greater accountability in the global arms trade. Palestinians rights advocates are urging Canada to take action and disrupt the supply chain of weapons that could be used in violations of international humanitarian law. It is time, they say, for countries like Canada to hold both the US and Israel accountable for their actions.
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