Canadian Official Condemns Israel’s Invasion of Lebanon, Announces New Humanitarian Aid

Canada’s secretary of state for international development, Randeep Sarai, denounced Israel’s “unlawful invasion” of Lebanon during a visit to Beirut. He said Canada will continue to work through diplomatic channels to enable displaced Lebanese communities to return to their homes. While in Lebanon, Sarai unveiled three new aid programs aimed at vulnerable families and women, raising Canada’s total assistance for the year to more than 71 million Canadian dollars (? $50 million).

Associated Press

The latest Israel-Hezbollah war began on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, two days after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran. The fighting has killed over 4,000 people, caused extensive destruction in southern Lebanon, and at one point displaced more than 1 million people. Israeli forces now occupy dozens of towns and villages in the south, many of which have been largely demolished.

Associated Press

Sarai emphasized Canada’s long-term commitment to Lebanon, noting the country’s large Lebanese diaspora and its historical aid of roughly 800 million Canadian dollars over the past decade. He highlighted recent meetings with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who took office last year and pledged reforms to restore state authority and combat corruption. Sarai expressed optimism about Lebanon’s reform agenda and reiterated Canada’s intent to support a safe environment for Syrian refugees returning from Lebanon.

Associated Press

• 360,000 people remain displaced in Lebanon, according to the United Nations.

Associated Press

• Canada’s current year’s aid totals 71 million CAD; cumulative assistance over ten years is about 800 million CAD.

Associated Press

• The conflict has resulted in over 4,000 deaths and displaced more than 1 million people at its peak.

Associated Press

• “We have been working actively, I think, through diplomatic channels to do whatever possible to stop that and to allow Lebanese communities that are from those areas to be able to move back,” — Randeep Sarai

Associated Press

• “Our commitment is long-term, and we’re there for Lebanon,” — Randeep Sarai

Associated Press

• “There’s a lot of optimism and I hope Lebanon will be able to deliver on these,” — Randeep Sarai

Associated Press

• “The world is really watching and supportive of this government, and optimistic that they will achieve those goals.” — Randeep Sarai

Associated Press