Canada 'strongly' condemns Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, calls for 'permanent ceasefire'

Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Thursday "strongly" condemned Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon, calling on Tel Aviv to respect the country's territorial integrity.

"We strongly condemn the airstrikes launched by Israel across Lebanon, including in Beirut, which killed civilians and targeted civilian infrastructure," Anand said in a statement posted on the US social media platform X.

While also condemning Hezbollah's attacks against Israel, Anand called on the group to "immediately disarm and implement decisions issued by the Government of Lebanon."

Anand stressed that "respect and protection of civilians are non-negotiable and required under international law."

Noting that Ottawa "firmly supports the Lebanese government's efforts to restore and exercise full state authority," she further added that Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty "must be respected."

The top Canadian diplomat also urged all parties to advance "a credible and durable diplomatic solution" to the conflict.

Israel carried out one of its largest strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday since launching a military offensive against Hezbollah early last month. The attacks have killed at least 254 people and wounded 1,165, according to Lebanon’s Civil Defense.

The escalation has raised concerns about a potential renewed Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, possibly extending to the Litani River.