Economic embargo and ceasefire
Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to denounce Israel at UN, call for a ceasefire and humanitarian access for Gaza’s reconstruction, and announce an economic embargo including arms until Israel complies. The government responds it supports the UN Peace Plan, urges ceasefire adherence, has increased humanitarian funding and enforces strict arms‑export controls.
Why we would sign this petition
- Increases diplomatic pressure that could push compliance with UN resolutions and reduce hostilities.
- A ceasefire and restored humanitarian access would relieve civilian suffering and enable reconstruction and eventual elections.
- A Canadian-led embargo could mobilize international support and raise leverage, echoing past sanctions that influenced change.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- A full economic embargo including arms could harm civilians, disrupt aid deliveries, or escalate tensions.
- A unilateral Canadian embargo may be ineffective without broad international coordination and could limit diplomatic options.
- The government already cites export controls, targeted measures and increased aid, so the petition’s actions might duplicate or complicate current strategies.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Government of Canada More than 18,500 children and a total of 70,000 people have been killed by bombings in Gaza over the past three years, including more than 350 since the presumed ceasefire; Several UN resolutions have been violated, and ships bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza have been illegally intercepted; and Only a sufficient period of peace will allow elections to be held and thus give Gaza a legitimate political voice, which is an essential prerequisite to lasting peace. We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to 1. Denounce before the UN General Assembly these illegal acts committed by the current government of Israel and the failure to comply with UN resolutions; 2. At the same time, call for a full ceasefire and the restoration of sufficient humanitarian aid to enable the peaceful reconstruction of Gaza; and 3. Announce, in the same address, its intention to implement a full economic embargo, including arms, until the government of Israel complies with these demands. Canada’s address would invite other countries to join the embargo, citing the initiative that brought an end to apartheid. 1. Denounce before the UN General Assembly these illegal acts committed by the current government of Israel and the failure to comply with UN resolutions; 2. At the same time, call for a full ceasefire and the restoration of sufficient humanitarian aid to enable the peaceful reconstruction of Gaza; and 3. Announce, in the same address, its intention to implement a full economic embargo, including arms, until the government of Israel complies with these demands. Canada’s address would invite other countries to join the embargo, citing the initiative that brought an end to apartheid.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Signed by Parliamentary Secretary Rob Oliphant The humanitarian crisis that Palestinians continue to face across the Gaza Strip, with civilians facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical care, is of utmost concern to the Government of Canada. Canada continues to support the Gaza Peace Plan, endorsed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, and we call on all parties to abide by their commitments to implement the Plan. The current ceasefire presents a critical opportunity to scale-up the humanitarian response and lay the foundations for recovery and reconstruction. Canada is actively engaged with international partners on the Peace Plan, including in advocacy efforts urging full adherence to the ceasefire. Canada continues to urge the government of Israel to allow and facilitate the immediate increase and unimpeded access of United Nations coordinated humanitarian assistance, into and throughout Gaza, in line with obligations under international humanitarian law. Canada has always been clear that the protection of civilians is a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law and calls on all parties to uphold these standards. Canada has also taken significant action to support humanitarian relief efforts in Palestine and to lay the foundations for long-term peace and stability by supporting the development of the institutions and socio-economic conditions necessary for a viable two-state solution. On June 12, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced an additional $100 million in funding to support United Nations, Red Cross and Red Crescent and Non-Governmental Organization partners in delivering international assistance to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. This announcement brings Canada’s contribution to more than $500 million for international assistance in response to the humanitarian and resilience needs of Palestinian civilians since the beginning of the conflict. Canada's export control regime is one of the strongest in the world. Under the Export and Import Permits Act, there is a legal requirement that export permit applications for arms, ammunition, implements or munitions of war be assessed against mandatory criteria, which include the Arms Trade Treaty criteria. Under Canadian law, the Minister of Foreign Affairs must deny an export permit for military items if, after considering available mitigating measures, they determine that there is a substantial risk that the proposed export would result in any of the negative consequences referred to in the Arms Trade Treaty assessment criteria, including serious violations of international human rights law or international humanitarian law. Since January 8, 2024, Canada has not approved any new arms export permits to Israel that could be used in the conflict in Gaza. Canada also suspended export permits for parts destined to Israel that could be incorporated into items used in Gaza. All of the permits suspended in 2024 have expired and cannot be used to export to Israel. On May 16, 2024, Canada introduced the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations. On June 9, 2026, Canada issued its fifth round of sanctions under this regime, designating two individuals and five entities for their role in extremist settler violence. Since May 2024, Canada has designated a total of 19 individuals and 12 entities. Canada is committed to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, security and dignity.