e-6662 (Foreign affairs)

The humanitarian crisis that Palestinians continue to face across the Gaza Strip is of utmost concern to the Government of Canada. The current ceasefire presents a critical opportunity to scale-up the humanitarian response and lay the foundations for recovery and reconstruction. It is therefore vital that the ceasefire is fully adhered to and that subsequent phases of the United States-led peace plan are implemented, in line with international legal principles.   

Canada is actively engaged with international partners on the peace plan, including in advocacy efforts urging full adherence to the ceasefire and urging the Government of Israel to facilitate a sustained influx in unimpeded, United Nations-led humanitarian assistance. Since October 2023, Canada has committed over $400 million in international assistance to address the needs of Palestinians, $270 million of which consists of lifesaving humanitarian aid—making Canada a leading contributor.  

Canada continues to examine a range of options to advance the imperatives of ensuring full adherence to the ceasefire, continued implementation of the peace plan, and a sustained influx in humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza.

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. 

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 be used to commit or facilitate a violation of International Human Rights or Humanitarian Law, the 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.  

Canada has always been clear that the protection of civilians is a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law and calls on all parties to uphold these standards.

With regards to investigations, Canada recognizes the importance of using all available mechanisms to promote accountability and full adherence to Canadian and international law. Canada will continue to examine all options to advance these objectives. A central line of effort in this regard is our support for the International Criminal Court, its role in pursuing accountability and its work as an important multilateral institution. 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 also supports the International Court of Justice’s critical role in the peaceful settlement of disputes and its role in upholding the international rules-based order.    

On May 16, 2024, Canada introduced the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations. In June 2025, Canada issued its fourth round of sanctions under this regime, targeting Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for their role in inciting violence against Palestinians and facilitating the significant expansion of settlements in the West Bank.  These measures focus on the West Bank but cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza.