Canada urges Israel to respect Lebanons sovereignty

Canada and France Urge Israel to Halt Plans for Southern Lebanon Occupation

Canada and France have issued statements urging Israel to halt its plans to occupy southern Lebanon. The move comes as Israeli forces prepare for a major ground invasion of the northern neighbor.

According to reports, Israel’s military has announced plans to take control of territory up to 30km inside Lebanon’s southern border. This development has raised concerns about Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The death toll in Lebanon from Israeli attacks has risen to at least 1,072 people, with almost 3,000 wounded since the start of this month. Over a million people have also been displaced by weeks of Israeli attacks in various parts of the country.

Canada’s Ministry of Global Affairs has expressed “solidarity” with the Lebanese government and people, calling on all parties to protect civilians and refrain from attacks on infrastructure and health workers. France’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot has also warned that Israel’s planned occupation would have major humanitarian consequences and exacerbate the country’s already dire situation.

Israel’s Minister of Defence Israel Katz has stated that displaced Lebanese residents will not be permitted to return to their homes south of the Litani River until security is guaranteed. The French government has urged Israel to refrain from its plans, citing concerns about the impact on civilians.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has described an Israeli attack on a bridge as a “prelude to ground invasion”. Reports have also emerged of Israeli attacks on Lebanese homes and bridges, resulting in civilian casualties.

Source: Al Jazeera