A Canadian advocacy organization is urging lawmakers in Ottawa to officially recognize Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip as genocide. Justice for All Canada, led by executive director Taha Ghayyur, emphasized the importance of not remaining silent while a population is being devastated, calling for action to turn words into reality.
Despite the group’s efforts to garner support for their cause, no Members of Parliament have publicly backed the initiative. The organization’s advocacy and government relations officer, Ahmed Ramadan, highlighted that labeling the situation in Gaza as genocide would uphold Canada’s standing as a champion of international law.
The motion presented by Justice for All Canada references a directive from the International Court of Justice in January 2024, suggesting that Israel’s actions in Gaza could potentially constitute genocide under the UN Genocide Convention. The organization cited various entities, including Canadian ex-diplomats, international law experts, and humanitarian organizations, that have already classified Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as genocide.
These developments coincide with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet deliberations before the return of MPs to the House of Commons and Canada’s forthcoming recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly. The push to acknowledge genocide in Gaza has garnered support from some Liberal MPs, such as Fares Al Soud and Adam Van Koeverden, while the Conservative Party defends Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas.
Justice for All Canada argues that the recognition of genocide by the Canadian government would impose legal obligations, potentially affecting arms exports to Israel. Despite Global Affairs halting permits for arms shipments to Israel since January 2024, activist groups have raised concerns about continued deliveries of military-related goods.
The organization’s call for action comes as NDP MP Jenny Kwan prepares to introduce legislation in the upcoming parliamentary session to address any existing loopholes in Canada’s arms export regulations.