Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act, targeting extremist Israeli settlers for the first time. Canada’s actions come in response to escalating violence and destabilization caused by these settlers against Palestinian civilians and their property in the West Bank.
Attacks by extremist Israeli settlers have reached alarming levels in recent months, exacerbating tensions and undermining Palestinian human rights, the prospects for a two-state solution, and regional security. According to the United Nations, since October 7, 2023, there have been over 800 settler attacks against Palestinians, resulting in verbal and physical assaults, deaths, damage to private property, and destruction of farms. These attacks have led to the forced displacement of Palestinian communities and contributed significantly to growing regional instability.
The sanctions represent a significant step in Canada’s response to this ongoing violence. The following individuals have been identified as having engaged directly or indirectly in violent acts against Palestinian civilians and their property. These measures will prohibit dealings related to these individuals and render them inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Canada continues to oppose the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and is dedicated to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East.
“The rise in violence by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank is deeply troubling and poses significant risks to peace and security in the region. While I was in the region recently, I heard directly from families that have been forced to leave their homes and farming lands as a direct result of violence and threats by extremist settlers. With these measures, we are sending a clear message that acts of extremist settler violence are unacceptable and that perpetrators of such violence will face consequences, stated” Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Quick Facts:
- Canada does not recognize permanent Israeli control over the territories occupied in 1967.
- The Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (the Fourth Geneva Convention) of 1949 applies in the occupied territories and establishes Israel’s obligations as an occupying power, particularly with respect to the humane treatment of the inhabitants of the Occupied Territories.
- Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, as referenced in UN Security Council resolutions 446 (1979) and 465 (1980). These settlements also constitute a serious obstacle to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.
Tensions continue to sparkle between Israel and Palestine among the latest developments in Gaza Strip and the city of Rafah.