Canadian doctors who served in Gaza call for arms embargo, sanctions against Israel

Canadian medical professionals who treated wounded Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are urging Ottawa to cease all military trade with Israel. The doctors claim that Canada’s current restrictions on arms exports to Israel are insufficient, as Canadian firms are still producing military components being used in Gaza.

Israel has faced international criticism for its military operations in Gaza, which it claims are necessary to combat the threat posed by Hamas. However, the high civilian death toll and restrictions on aid, including food and medical supplies, have sparked outrage.

Orthopedic surgeon Deirdre Nunan, who has made multiple visits to Gaza, described treating patients with horrific injuries, including those consistent with drone strikes during a ceasefire. She emphasized that as medical professionals, they cannot stand by and witness a genocide or famine unfolding before their eyes.

Doctors Against Genocide, a group of medical professionals, held a news conference on Parliament Hill to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza. They highlighted that Canadian companies participating in a major arms-industry trade show have produced components used in Gaza, despite Parliament’s vote to halt new arms permits for Israel.

The group is calling on the Canadian government to take meaningful action, such as banning military exports, imposing sanctions on Israeli officials, and suspending bilateral trade agreements with Israel. They argue that the current situation in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate intervention.

NDP MP Heather McPherson, who has been advocating for restrictions on arms exports to Israel, is planning to introduce a motion in the Commons to recognize Palestinian statehood. She believes that Canada must take a stronger stance in support of Palestinians and hold Israel accountable for its actions.

The doctors shared heartbreaking stories of the suffering they witnessed in Gaza, including maimed civilians and children with life-altering injuries. They emphasized the urgent need for food, water, and medical aid for the Palestinian population, which is facing a looming famine.

Despite Israel’s claims that it is facilitating aid distribution in Gaza, reports indicate that access to humanitarian assistance is being obstructed by Hamas and other challenges. Canadian aid groups are calling on Ottawa to reject the current aid-distribution system and ensure that aid reaches those in need.

The Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council is also urging Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to address the slow progress of a program meant to resettle Palestinians fleeing Gaza with family ties to Canada. The group is concerned about the plight of those who have managed to escape Gaza but are unable to find refuge.

In light of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Canadian medical professionals and advocacy groups are urging the government to take decisive action to address the humanitarian needs of Palestinians and hold Israel accountable for its actions. The international community must come together to prevent further suffering and loss of life in Gaza.