Canada is among ten countries along with the European Union calling for an immediate 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The calls follow as the Lebanese government says an Israeli airstrike killed at least 20 people Thursday, adding to more than 630 reported deaths since Monday.
A joint statement from the countries was negotiated on the sidelines of the United Nations general assembly in New York and can be read here.
The statement calls for the recent fighting as “intolerable” and says it presents an unacceptable risk of a broader war in the Middle East.
It reads that the conflict that has been escalating since Oct. 8, 2023 “is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon.”
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The group hopes a 21-day ceasefire would allow for negotiations and will lead to longer-term stability along the border between Israel and Lebanon.
The joint statement also calls on Israel and Hamas to accept a ceasefire proposal in Gaza with all 12 countries preparing to fully support all diplomatic efforts to “end the crisis altogether.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly identified Canadian husband and wife Hussein and Daad Tabaja, among those killed in the violence in Lebanon.
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X at around noon Thursday calling for a ceasefire, saying that the conflict “has been devastating to the civilians in harm’s way, including the two innocent Canadians killed.”
Minister Joly has been urging Canadians still in Lebanon to leave while commercial flights are still available describing that as the safest method to get out at this time.
The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs reports that about 45,000 Canadian citizens remain in the country.
With files from The Canadian Press.
Canada is calling for an immediate ceasefire along the Lebanon-Israel border.
It has been devastating to the civilians in harm’s way, including the two innocent Canadians killed.
We will support all diplomatic efforts towards de-escalation and a peaceful resolution.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 26, 2024
