Canada condemns Israel's Lebanon invasion, unveils new aid

Canada’s secretary of state for international development, Randeep Sarai, condemned Israel’s so-called unlawful invasion of Lebanon and urged that Beirut govern its own space and sovereignty as Ottawa announced fresh humanitarian aid for the crisis-hit country. The UN says about 360,000 people are displaced, with more than 4,000 killed in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict that began after Hezbollah rockets targeted northern Israel on March 2. Canada noted its ongoing criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon, and said it has listed Hezbollah as a terrorist organization while supporting Lebanon with new programs totaling over 71 million Canadian dollars this year, part of roughly 800 million CAD in assistance over the last decade. Sarai visited shelters and met Lebanese leaders, underscoring Canada’s long-term commitment to help restore stability and index relief for vulnerable families and women. The fighting has caused widespread destruction across southern Lebanon, with Israel insisting it will not withdraw until Hezbollah is disarmed, and Canada’s aid aims to ease the humanitarian situation amid calls for Lebanon’s sovereignty and regional stability.