Gaza Health Officials Say Israeli Strike on Police Station Kills 9

Canada has strongly condemned Israel's "unlawful invasion" of Lebanon, asserting that Beirut must maintain sovereignty over its own territory. Randeep Sarai, Canada's secretary of state for international development, made these remarks during a visit to Lebanon aimed at announcing new humanitarian assistance.

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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.

Sarai's visit coincided with a severe crisis in Lebanon, where the United Nations reports approximately 360,000 people remain displaced due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Canada has pledged significant support, announcing three new programs to aid vulnerable families and women. This brings Canada's total assistance to Lebanon this year to over C$71 million (approximately $50.23 million).

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Our commitment is long-term, and we’re there for Lebanon.

Canada's commitment to Lebanon is long-term, with the nation having provided about C$800 million (approximately $575 million) in aid over the past decade. Sarai emphasized Canada's efforts to help create a safe environment in Syria to facilitate the return of refugees. He also met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, expressing optimism about their reform agenda to combat corruption and reinstate state authority.

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There’s a lot of optimism and I hope Lebanon will be able to deliver on these.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began in March, has resulted in widespread destruction in southern Lebanon and displaced over a million people at its peak. Israel has stated its intention to remain in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed. Canada, while listing Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and condemning its attacks on Israel, has also criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

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The world is really watching and supportive of this government, and optimistic that they will achieve those goals.