Canada, along with its allies, has issued a joint statement calling for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border, citing an “unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation.”
The statement, endorsed by the United States, Australia, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, and eight other nations, urges the governments of Lebanon and Israel, as well as all parties involved, to support the temporary ceasefire and provide a “real chance to a diplomatic settlement.”
“The situation between Lebanon and Israel since Oct. 8, 2023, is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation,” the statement reads. “This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon.”
The call for a ceasefire comes as the Lebanese government reports that an Israeli airstrike has killed at least 20 people today, adding to the more than 630 fatalities since Monday. Israel has also threatened a ground invasion into Lebanon.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed that at least two Canadians are among those killed in the ongoing violence. As tensions rise, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office has yet to respond to the joint statement.
