Israel and Lebanon should immediately implement a 21-day truce, according to Canada and its allies
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has confirmed that at least two Canadians are among those who have died in the ongoing violence in Lebanon.
Canada has joined forces with its allies to issue a statement advocating for “an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border,” highlighting an “unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation.”
This statement, made in conjunction with the United States, Australia, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, and eight other countries, urges the governments of Lebanon and Israel, along with all relevant parties, to endorse the temporary ceasefire and “give a real chance to a diplomatic settlement.”
The statement notes, “The situation between Lebanon and Israel since Oct. 8, 2023, is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon.”
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire proposal is merely a suggestion and that the prime minister, currently en route to the United States, has not yet responded.
This call for a ceasefire coincides with reports from the Lebanese government indicating that an Israeli airstrike has resulted in at least 20 fatalities today, contributing to over 630 deaths since Monday, amid threats from Israel regarding a potential ground invasion.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has confirmed that at least two Canadians are among those who have died in the ongoing violence in Lebanon.
Additionally, the joint statement urges both Israel and Hamas to accept a ceasefire proposal in Gaza, with all twelve countries expressing readiness to fully support diplomatic efforts to “end the crisis altogether.”
The statement concludes, “We are then prepared to fully support all diplomatic efforts to conclude an agreement between Lebanon and Israel within this period, building on the efforts over the last months.”
Hezbollah has not yet reacted to the proposal but has stated that it would cease its attacks only if a ceasefire in Gaza is established, where Israel has been engaged in conflict with Hamas for nearly a year.
For several months, Joly has been advising Canadians still in Lebanon to leave while commercial flights remain available, stressing that this is the simplest and safest option for their exit.
