Senator Yuen Pau Woo

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We are writing to express our grave concern about Canada’s continued military exports to Israel amid the deepening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

In a statement dated June 25, 2025, 11 senators applauded the government for condemning Israel’s denial of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, the imposition of sanctions against two Israeli ministers, and Canada’s vote at the United Nations on the protection of civilians. In the same spirit, we welcome Prime Minister Mark Carney’s July 24 statement affirming that Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian aid constitutes a violation of international law.

However, words are not enough to stop Israel’s ongoing siege of Gaza and the suffering of Palestinians. The need for concrete action is more urgent than ever.

More than one million Palestinians are now facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity. Since May 27, the United Nations reports that at least 1,054 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces while seeking food. According to UNICEF, over 50,000 Palestinian children have been killed or injured since October 2023. Every day the numbers continue to rise.

New evidence from a coalition of NGOs suggests Canadian-made weapons and components continue to be exported to Israel, contradicting this government’s public commitment to pause new permits. We are deeply alarmed by these findings.

As a State Party to the Arms Trade Treaty, Canada must halt all arms transfers where there is a substantial risk they could be used in serious violations of international law. This is not optional. Canada has a legal obligation to act.

Recognizing that our government cannot control how and where Israel uses military exports from Canada, we are calling for a full and immediate arms embargo against Israel under Canada’s unilateral sanctions legislation. Anything less is a betrayal of our international commitments and of the universal human rights that Canadians expect us to uphold.