Ottawa/London, 21st May 2026 - The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) Canada, in collaboration with Just Peace Advocates, has formally requested that the Canada Border Services Agency deny entry to representatives of Israeli arms manufacturers Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries seeking to attend CANSEC 2026 in Ottawa.
In a legal submission to Canadian authorities, ICJP Canada argues that representatives of the two companies may be inadmissible under Section 35(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), based on complicity in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide against Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023.
The submission outlines evidence relating to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, including findings and warnings issued by the International Court of Justice, United Nations experts, and international human rights bodies. It references statements by senior Israeli officials which international legal experts have highlighted as genocidal intent, alongside evidence of collective punishment, mass civilian casualties, forced displacement, starvation, and the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure across Gaza.
Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries are among the principal defence contractors supplying military technologies, drones, weapons systems, and surveillance equipment used by Israeli forces during attacks in Gaza. ICJP Canada argues that permitting representatives of these companies to attend Canada’s largest arms and defence exhibition risks undermining Canada’s obligations under domestic and international law.
The submission calls on Canadian authorities to exercise their powers under the IRPA and the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act to prevent Canada from providing entry to individuals whorepresent corporations reasonably suspected of enabling the Israeli military during its serious violations of international humanitarian law.
By submitting this request, ICJP Canada states that accountability for international crimes must extend beyond direct perpetrators to include corporate actors and institutions alleged to have enabled or facilitated the genocide committed against Palestinians in Gaza.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians is an independent organisation of lawyers, politicians and academics who support the rights of Palestinians and aim to protect their rights through the law.
- For more information, or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please contact the ICJP news desk at press@icjpalestine.com.
