Canada has announced a temporary freeze on arms exports to Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in the besieged Gaza Strip. According to a government source, the decision was made on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in Canada's stance on arms sales to the region.

Since the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza, Canada had been limiting its exports to 'non-lethal' weapons, such as communications equipment, to Israel. However, the freeze now extends to all arms shipments, with no weapons exported to Israel since January, the source confirmed.

Israel has historically been one of Canada's top recipients of arms exports, with the country exporting $1.5 million worth of military equipment to Israel in 2022 alone. However, amid growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Canada's parliament passed a resolution on Monday calling for international efforts towards a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.

The decision to freeze arms exports comes in the wake of mounting pressure from advocacy groups and Canadians of Palestinian descent, who filed a lawsuit against the Canadian government alleging violations of both domestic and international laws. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, stating that it is a "real need" at this time.

The conflict in Gaza, which escalated following an attack by Hamas fighters on southern Israel last October, has resulted in significant casualties. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, at least 31,800 people have been killed and approximately 74,000 injured in the ongoing Israeli aggression.

The freeze on arms exports represents a tangible step by Canada towards addressing the crisis in Gaza and advocating for peace and stability in the region.