Canada condemns Israeli attacks on Gaza civilian infrastructure, UN positions in Lebanon

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Canada on Wednesday condemned Israeli army's attacks on northern Gaza and UN peacekeepers in Lebanon (UNIFIL), describing them "unacceptable."

In a statement, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly and Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen said Canada condemns Israeli army's "increasing attacks on civilian infrastructure in northern Gaza as well as its attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon [UNIFIL] positions along the Blue line. These are unacceptable and must immediately stop."

Citing Israel's recent attacks on Al-Aqsa Hospital, the school in the Nuseirat camp and a food distribution center in northern Gaza, the statement by the ministers stressed that such attacks "caused the deaths of dozens of civilians seeking refuge, including women and children."

"The increasingly dire humanitarian situation is unacceptable and continues to deteriorate due to a significant decrease of aid allowed into Gaza. An increase in humanitarian aid is desperately needed to end this suffering," it said.

Denouncing the countless forced displacement of Palestinians due to Israel's repeated evacuation orders, Canadian officials stressed the "brunt of the violence" as well as the suffering faced by civilians in Gaza.

"We condemn the killing of civilians in Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank and Israel," it said, calling for protection of aid personnel.

The statement also called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, as well as cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.