Palestinian Canadians sue Foreign Minister Joly over arms exports to Israel

Palestinian Canadians and human rights lawyers are suing Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly over exports of military equipment to Israel, which they argue violate Canada’s obligations under domestic and international law.

The lawsuit which was filed yesterday had asked a federal court to order the Canadian government to stop issuing export permits for military goods and technology destined for Israel.

It also asks the court to deem the issuance of such permits unlawful.

Military exports to Israel have come under greater scrutiny since October 7 when the Israeli military launched a military offensive in the Gaza Strip that has now killed more than 30,000 Palestinians. Thousands of others are believed to be dead, buried under rubble.