Suspend arms exports to Israel
Petitioners ask Canada suspend arms exports to Israel, support war‑crimes probes, ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and end complicity. The government responds it has suspended some permits, supports ICC probes and urges unimpeded aid.
Why we would sign this petition
- Stops Canadian arms flows that petitioners say enable violations; a suspension would reduce the risk of Canadian-made weapons contributing to civilian harm.
- Backing independent war‑crimes probes promotes accountability, could deter future violations and aligns with international legal obligations petitioners invoke.
- Guaranteeing unrestricted humanitarian access would directly address starvation and medical crises in Gaza, delivering needed aid to civilians at imminent risk.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- A full suspension could strain Canada's defence trade ties and economic interests with Israel and allied partners, creating diplomatic and commercial costs.
- A broad export halt might reduce Canada’s leverage in coalition diplomacy and in efforts to negotiate ceasefires, hostage returns or reconstruction frameworks.
- A blanket suspension risks unintended consequences; targeted measures or strengthened case‑by‑case export controls could be more precise, reversible and enforceable.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Government of Canada Civilians in Gaza are enduring prolonged periods without food as aid is blocked and seekers are targeted—conditions consistent with the use of starvation as a weapon, in violation of international law; UN agencies confirm mass starvation in Gaza is man-made and preventable, with over one million children at risk of dying from hunger and disease; More than 875 Palestinians have been killed at food distribution sites since May 2025, in strikes condemned as war crimes; Nearly 90% of Gaza’s population has been forcibly displaced into increasingly uninhabitable zones without access to food, water, or medical care; Hospitals, schools, journalists, UN workers, and aid centers have been repeatedly attacked, in violation of international humanitarian law; The United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and human rights experts have opened or supported investigations into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza; Canada is a signatory to the Geneva Conventions and Rome Statute and is legally obligated to prevent war crimes and genocide; Canada continues to export arms and issue military contracts to Israel while offering diplomatic protection; Inaction in the face of atrocities is complicity, not neutrality; and Canadians across communities have called for a ceasefire, an end to military support, and the protection of all civilian life. We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Call on the Government of Canada to immediately suspend all arms exports to Israel; 2. Support war crimes investigations; 3. Demand unrestricted aid access; and 4. End its complicity in violations of international law. 1. Call on the Government of Canada to immediately suspend all arms exports to Israel; 2. Support war crimes investigations; 3. Demand unrestricted aid access; and 4. End its complicity in violations of international law.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Rob Oliphant The Government of Canada welcomes the comprehensive peace plan for Gaza being advanced by United States President Trump and thanks the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye for their tireless mediation efforts. Canada calls on the parties to continue implementing the terms of the ceasefire agreement. All hostages’ remains must be returned, the withdrawal of Israeli troops must be maintained, and immediate, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian aid must be provided to the many people in dire need across Gaza. Hamas must never play a role in the future governance of Gaza. It must lay down its arms immediately and follow through with their commitments to the transfer of power. It is vital that the parties continue to engage constructively in negotiations to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement, as stipulated in the United States plan. Since October 2023, Canada has committed more than $400 million in international assistance in response to the humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank. Canada continues to urge Israel to ensure the delivery of unimpeded humanitarian assistance at scale and through a coordinated United Nation-led system, and to put all measures possible in place to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian aid workers. Canada has one of the strongest military export controls systems in the world. Respect for human rights is enshrined in our export controls and in our legislation. With regards to export permits, Canada has not approved any new permits for items to Israel that could be used in the current conflict in Gaza since January 8, 2024. In 2024, Canada also suspended approximately 30 export permits for items destined to Israel. All permits suspended in 2024 remain suspended and cannot be used to export to Israel. We take our obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty seriously. All export permit applications for controlled items are reviewed on a case-by-case basis under Canada’s robust risk assessment framework, including against the criteria set out in the Arms Trade Treaty enshrined inCanada’s Export and Import Permits Act. Canada’s diplomatic missions abroad and relevant government experts are consulted as part of the export permit review process to ensure consideration for local and regional situations and associated security risks. Additionally, if there is a substantial risk that the export of the controlled goods or technology specified in the application could result in any of those negative consequences, this permit will be denied. As is the case in most countries, Canadian law controls certain exports, but not the subsequent export of Canadian goods and technology by other countries. However, Canada assesses the risk of diversion as part of the export control review process. Canada also cooperates with other states to prevent diversion, including through its active membership in the four multilateral export control regimes: the Wassenaar Arrangement, the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Australia Group. With regards to investigations, Canada supports the International Criminal Court’s critical role in pursuing accountability and its work as an important multilateral institution, and key pillar of the international rules-based order. Canada respects the independence of the Court, its judiciary and the Office of the Prosecutor, and will continue to react accordingly as the Court does its work. Canada has always been clear that the protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. Canada has been clear that Israel must adhere to international law. While the immediate priority must be building on the ceasefire in Gaza to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement, ending the cycle of violence means confronting the deeper questions at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In line with Canada’s foreign policy since 1947, a two-state solution is the only viable path to long-term peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, and the Middle East more broadly. On September 21, 2025, Canada recognized the State of Palestine to preserve prospects for a two-state solution. Canada will intensify efforts to support the Palestinian Authority’s implementation of its reform agenda so that it can deliver effective, democratic governance for Palestinians. Hamas, a listed terrorist organization in Canada, can play no role in Gaza’s future governance. Canada will continue to work with international partners to develop a framework for recovery in Gaza and to build momentum for a just, lasting peace in the Middle East.