Canada to Halt Arms Sales to Israel Following Non-Binding Motion

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
19/03/2024 23h43

In a significant development, Canada has announced its decision to suspend arms sales to Israel, as confirmed by Foreign Minister Melanie Joly. This decision comes after the Canadian Parliament passed a non-binding motion urging the government to take this step.

While this move has been welcomed by proponents of peace and a two-state solution, Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, expressed concern over Canada undermining Israel's right to self-defense. Katz emphasized the need for Israel to defend itself against the Hamas militant group, who he accuses of committing atrocities against innocent Israelis.

This decision follows Canada's decision to pause non-lethal military exports to Israel since January. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who acknowledges Israel's right to self-defense, has been increasingly critical of the Israeli military campaign in Hamas-run Gaza, especially after the attack by the militant group on October 7th.

The Canadian parliament's motion not only calls for a halt in arms sales but also urges the international community to work towards a two-state solution to resolve the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. This aligns with Canada's government policy on the matter.

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly emphasized the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict and expressed hope that this decision would contribute towards creating an atmosphere conducive for dialogue and negotiations. The motion also carries a symbolic weight, reflecting the growing concern among Canadians regarding the situation in the region.

However, Israel's Foreign Minister Katz criticized Canada's decision, warning that history would harshly judge this move. He reiterated Israel's determination to continue fighting until Hamas is destroyed and all abductees are safely returned home.

As the global community closely watches these developments, the decision by Canada is likely to have a significant impact on the dynamics of the Israel-Palestine conflict. It remains to be seen how this decision will influence other countries and their respective policies towards arms sales to Israel.

Canada's decision to halt arms sales to Israel sends a strong message about the importance of prioritizing peace, international law, and human rights in the region. It demonstrates a commitment to seeking a just and lasting resolution to the conflict, in line with the aspirations of the Palestinian people and the international community as a whole.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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