Canadian Diplomats Urge Sanctions on Israel

Almost 200 former senior Canadian diplomats are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to impose 'robust' sanctions on Israel due to deteriorating conditions in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon. The diplomats' letter calls for a review of Canada's trade agreement with Israel and a notice of suspension for a strategic partnership agreement if conditions do not improve. They cite Israel's restrictions on aid and journalists in Gaza, increasing violence by settlers in the West Bank, and a high civilian death toll in Lebanon as violations of international law. The letter also demands legal action against Canadian companies supporting Israeli settlements and the revocation of charitable status for groups funding settlements or the Israeli military. This follows a similar letter last July demanding Canada halt arms trade with Israel. The situation has worsened since Canada recognized the Palestine last September, with Israel's settlement expansion making a two-state solution almost impossible. Israel maintains it is upholding international law in its fight against Hamas and Hezbollah, urging Canada to focus on threats from Iran. Relations between Israel and Canada are strained, with Benjamin Netanyahu not having spoken to Mark Carney in over a year. Senator Yuen Pau Woo is also pressing the Canadian government to follow through on a joint statement with France and the United Kingdom that threatened 'concrete actions' if humanitarian aid restrictions in Gaza persisted. The European Union recently sanctioned Israeli settlers and Hamas officials, though it rejected suspending its preferential trade arrangement with Israel.