Criticism of Canada’s Middle East Policy Amid Regional Conflict

Montreal, October 1, 2024 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) has expressed strong criticism regarding the approach of the Canadian government towards Israeli actions in the Middle East. CJPME has condemned the government’s alleged failure to address what they describe as Israel’s “collective punishment” against Palestinians, particularly referring to it as a genocide in response to an attack by Hamas on October 7 of the previous year.

The organization connects these events to the recent escalation in regional conflict, mentioning a massive missile attack launched by Iran on Israel. Iran cited Israel’s targeted killings of leaders from Hezbollah and Hamas as its justification. In response, Israel has engaged in retaliation measures that CJPME warns could deepen the region’s turmoil, criticizing Canada’s alignment with U.S. Middle East policy.

Thomas Woodley, President of CJPME, described Canada’s Middle East strategy as a “total failure,” referencing the U.S.’s recent veto of a UN Security Council resolution aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Lebanon. According to CJPME, this alignment has resulted in devastating impacts on millions of people in the Middle East, noting Canada’s lack of forceful diplomatic pressure on the U.S. or Israel to mitigate the violence.

The organization further criticizes Canada’s reluctance to support international accountability efforts through the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). CJPME also laments Canada’s lack of action in reviewing and potentially canceling bilateral agreements and military support to Israel.

Canada’s provision of $10 million in aid to Lebanon was described as insufficient by the organization, labeling it as mere tokenism given the ongoing violence. CJPME attributes Iran’s recent military actions to inaction by countries such as Canada.

Woodley emphasized the need for an arms embargo against Israel, arguing that such action would align with Canada’s Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA), which permits economic actions against nations perpetrating grave breaches of international peace or human rights violations. While Canada paused new arms export permits to Israel this year, CJPME urges a comprehensive embargo.

Alternatively, Canadian officials have publicly condemned Iran’s missile attack on Israel. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly characterized these attacks as a source of further destabilization in an already volatile region. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed this sentiment, asserting Israel’s right to self-defense while calling for regional de-escalation.

Canada is actively evacuating its citizens from Lebanon, with recent reports indicating that several hundred Canadians have already left or are scheduled to depart. Deputy Leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Alexandre Boulerice criticized the government’s evacuation efforts, suggesting they are insufficient for the estimated 45,000 Canadians in Lebanon.

Amid these challenges, an emergency debate on the situation in Lebanon has been scheduled in Canada’s House of Commons, highlighting the dire nature of the regional conflict and Canada’s contentious diplomatic position.