Canada calls for de-escalation and protection of civilians amid escalating violence in Lebanon and Israel
Canada calls for de-escalation and protection of civilians amid escalating violence in Lebanon and Israel
September 26, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:
“Our hearts and thoughts are with the families of Canadians who have been affected, including and especially those who have been killed or injured.
“The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is intolerable and poses an unacceptable risk of broader regional escalation.
“We are concerned that a war between Israel and Hezbollah would have devastating consequences, while exacerbating the already dire humanitarian, economic and political crises in Lebanon.
“Thousands of Israelis have been displaced from their homes in the north and are unable to live in peace and security because of attacks by Hezbollah, a terrorist organization. Just in the past week, hundreds of Lebanese civilians have been killed and over 90,000 Lebanese have been displaced. Canada has lost two of its citizens to Israeli airstrikes.
“We condemn the killing of civilians and aid workers, including women and children.
“Canada urges all parties to protect civilians, including aid workers, and to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.”
“Israel and Hezbollah must step back; there can be no military solution to the current conflict. Immediate action to end the violence is urgently needed.
“Together with our partners, we call for an immediate 21-day ceasefire on the Israeli-Lebanese border to allow diplomacy to work towards a diplomatic settlement consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, as well as the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735 on a ceasefire in Gaza.
“Lebanese civilians should not suffer the consequences of Hezbollah’s actions; they have the right to live in peace and security throughout Lebanon. Hezbollah must cease its attacks, and allow Israelis to return home safely. We will continue to do everything in our power to hold Iran accountable for its atrocities in the region, including its funding of terrorist attacks.
“Canada is committed to continuing to work with the international community to help advance peace in the region. We owe it to the Lebanese, Palestinian and Israeli people to make tangible progress towards peace and stability in the region.
“As we have been advising since October 2023, Canadians still in Lebanon should leave as soon as possible for their own safety, while commercial means remain available. This is the easiest and safest way to leave Lebanon.
“We continue to work with industry, international partners and like-minded countries to coordinate contingency planning efforts to respond if the situation deteriorates further.
“Canadians in Lebanon should regularly consult our Travel Advice for Lebanon and register now with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important information from the Government of Canada. Those already registered should ensure that their information is accurate and update it as needed.
“Canadians must ensure that their travel documents, as well as those of their spouse or partner and dependent children, are always up to date and secure.
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“Canadians requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada to Lebanon at 961 4 726 700 or Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa:
by phone: 1 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted if available)
by email: [email protected]
by text message: 1 613-686-3658
by WhatsApp: 1 613-909-8881
by Signal: 1 613-909-8087
by Telegram: Emergency Canada Abroad”
Associated links
Travel advice for Lebanon
Registration of Canadians Abroad
Canadians, permanent residents and members of their immediate family in Lebanon
Contacts
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Global Affairs Canada
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