Canada's federal police have launched a criminal investigation into Israeli soldiers who hold dual Canadian nationality, on suspicion of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed it was conducting the probe under Canada's Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program (CAHWCP). The investigation is being carried out in coordination with the Department of Justice, the Canada Border Services Agency, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
According to officials, the investigation began discreetly in 2024 and centres on allegations involving Canadian-Israeli dual nationals who served in the Israeli military, either on active duty or as reservists.
Canadian authorities say the probe could result in domestic prosecutions or the sharing of evidence with international tribunals.
"The program's aim is to ensure Canada does not become a safe haven for war criminals," the Department of Justice told The Toronto Star. "This includes both prosecuting individuals in Canada and sharing relevant evidence with other jurisdictions."
While Canada has previously launched high-profile investigations into suspects from Rwanda and Ukraine, including public hotlines and appeals for witnesses, this case has unfolded with no official press releases or public outreach.
Hebrew-language media reported that the news has triggered strong reactions within Jewish and Israeli communities in Canada, marking the first time such an investigation has been initiated by the Canadian government itself rather than through private legal efforts.
Israeli outlet Ynet said the probe was focused on Canadian citizens suspected of participating in war crimes during Israeli military operations in Gaza.
The development comes as Canada joins the UK and France in warning Israel to halt its "egregious" expansion of military operations in Gaza. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called on Israel to immediately stop its offensive and allow unrestricted humanitarian aid into the territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, responded angrily to the coordinated Western criticism. He accused Carney, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron of "siding with baby killers, rapists, and kidnappers", and of emboldening Hamas.
The New Arab has reached out to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canada's Department of Justice for comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.