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Canada Reaffirms Strict Stance on Arms Exports to Gaza Amid Report Discrepancies
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Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada has reiterated its firm policy of refusing new permits for controlled goods destined for Gaza since January 2024, and has frozen all existing permits that could allow military components to be used in the region. The statement comes as officials address claims in a recent report, which they state considerably misrepresent facts regarding Canadian exports.
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement on August 2, 2025, emphasizing Canada’s unwavering commitment to preventing its products from fueling conflict.”Canada has drawn, and will continue to draw, a hard line,” Anand stated.”Since January 2024, we have refused any new permits for controlled goods that could be used in Gaza. Not one has been approved.”
The minister further detailed that all existing permits allowing military components for use in Gaza were frozen in 2024 and remain suspended. “the law is clear: no company may export controlled goods without a valid permit,” she added. “We will not hesitate to ensure that those who violate this law face legal consequences that include fines, seizures and criminal prosecution.”
Canada’s position is that it will not permit Canadian-made weapons to contribute to the conflict. In response to a report released on July 29,2025,Global Affairs Canada officials have steadfast that several claims within it are misleading. Specifically, the statement clarified that items identified as “bullets” in the report are, actually, paintball-style projectiles. Thes are accompanied by equipment designed to render a firearm inoperable with traditional rounds and cannot be used in combat. If they were, a permit would be required, which would not be granted.
Furthermore, the statement asserted that no mortars have been shipped from Canadian manufacturers to Israel, either directly or indirectly, since before the suspension of permits.Global Affairs Canada also refuted claims that explosive materials, such as bullets or other munitions, are transported on passenger aircraft, labeling such assertions as false.
“Canada continues to deny any export permits for materials that could be used in Gaza,” the statement concluded. “We take any allegations of circumventing of canada’s export regime very seriously and, if true, these would be accompanied by severe legal sanctions.”
Evergreen Insights
Canada’s export control regime is designed to ensure that military goods and technology are not used in ways that could undermine international peace and security. the government reviews all export permit applications on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the human rights record of the destination country and the potential end-use of the goods. The current suspension of permits related to Gaza reflects a heightened concern over the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian impact. This policy aligns with Canada’s broader foreign policy objectives, which often emphasize diplomacy and the protection of civilian populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Canada’s current policy on exporting controlled goods to Gaza?
- Canada has refused all new permits for controlled goods that could be used in Gaza as january 2024 and has frozen all existing permits that could allow military components to be used there.
- Have any Canadian-made weapons been used in the conflict in Gaza?
- Canada states it will not allow Canadian-made weapons to fuel the conflict in any way and has suspended permits that could lead to such use.
- What did Global Affairs Canada say about the July 29, 2025 report?
- Officials determined that several claims in the report were misleading and significantly misrepresented facts regarding Canadian exports.
- Were the items identified as ‘bullets’ in the report actually bullets?
- No, the items were identified as paintball-style projectiles designed to make a firearm inoperable with traditional rounds,
