The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:
"Our hearts and thoughts are with the families of the Canadians who have been affected, including and especially those who have been killed or injured.
"The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation.
"We are concerned that a war between Israel and Hezbollah would have devastating consequences, while adding to the already severe humanitarian, economic and political crises in Lebanon.
"Thousands of Israelis have been displaced from their homes in the north and are unable to live in peace and security because of attacks by Hezbollah, a terrorist organization. Just over the past week, hundreds of Lebanese civilians have been killed, and more than 90,000 Lebanese have been newly displaced. Canada has lost two of its own citizens due to Israeli airstrikes.
"We condemn the killing of civilians and humanitarian workers, including women and children.
"Canada urges all parties to protect civilians including humanitarian workers from harm and to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.
"Israel and Hezbollah must reverse course; there can be no military solution to the current conflict. Immediate action to stop the violence is urgently needed.
"Alongside our partners, we call for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement consistent with UNSCR 1701, and the implementation of UNSCR 2735 regarding a ceasefire in Gaza.
"Lebanese civilians should not bear the consequences of Hezbollah's actions; they have the right to live in peace and security throughout Lebanon. Hezbollah must cease its attacks, allowing Israelis to return home safely. We will continue to do everything we can to hold Iran accountable for its atrocities in the region including its funding of terrorist attacks.
"Canada is committed to continue its work with the international community to help advance peace in the region. We owe it to the Lebanese, Palestinian, and Israeli peoples to make tangible progress toward peace and stability in the region.
"As we have been advising since October 2023, Canadians still in Lebanon should leave as soon as they can for their own safety, while commercial means remain available. It is the easiest and safest way to leave Lebanon.
"We continue to work with industry, international partners and likeminded countries to coordinate contingency planning efforts to respond should the situation further deteriorate.
"Canadians in Lebanon should consult our Travel Advice and Advisories for Lebanon regularly and sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service now to receive important information from the Government of Canada. Those already registered should update their information and ensure it is accurate.
"Canadians should make sure their travel documents and those of their spouse and dependent children are always up to date and secure.
"Canadians who need emergency consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada to Lebanon at 961 4 726 700 or Global Affairs Canada's Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa:
