15.4°C Vancouver

Feb 15, 2024 4:20 PM - The Canadian Press

Trudeau warns Israel of 'catastrophic' consequences of pending Rafah offensive

Share On
trudeau-warns-israel-of-catastrophic-consequences-of-pending-rafah-offensive
He says in a joint statement with the prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand that the impact of an incursion into Rafah would be "devastating" and there is "simply nowhere else for civilians to go.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says an Israeli military offensive into the densely populated area where some 1.5 million Palestinians have taken refuge in the Gaza Strip would be "catastrophic."

He says in a joint statement with the prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand that the impact of an incursion into Rafah would be "devastating" and there is "simply nowhere else for civilians to go."

The three say Israel should not go down this path and it must listen to its friends and the international community.
They are also calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and note an International Court of Justice ruling last month that said Israel must protect civilians and ensure the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance.

Trudeau and his counterparts say a sustainable ceasefire is necessary and cannot be one-sided, reiterating their condemnation of Hamas for the Oct. 7 attack that triggered the conflict.

The statement follows similar warnings from the United States and United Nation, and marks Canada's strongest language yet on Israel's conduct in the region.

Latest news

poilievre-calls-for-immigration-ministers-removal-over-expiring-visa-concerns
CanadaMay 13, 2026

Poilievre calls for immigration minister’s removal over expiring visa concerns

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling for Immigration Minister Lena Diab to be removed from cabinet, accusing the Liberal government of failing to manage Canada’s immigration system as millions of temporary visas approach expiry. Speaking about immigration and labour pressures, Poilievre alleged the federal government does not have a clear plan to track or manage people whose visas are expiring. He claimed there is no effective system in place to determine who has left Canada after their visa expired and who may still be in the country. Poilievre also accused Prime Minister Mark Ca
surrey-man-charged-with-multiple-firearm-offences-after-traffic-stop-in-city-centre
BCMay 13, 2026

Surrey man charged with multiple firearm offences after traffic stop in City Centre

A 24-year-old Surrey man is facing several firearm-related charges following a vehicle stop by Surrey Police Service officers in the City Centre area Sunday evening. According to Surrey Police Service, officers with the Crime Reduction Unit stopped a vehicle near 146 Street and 108 Avenue at about 7:45 p.m. on May 11 for a traffic-related infraction. During the investigation, police allege one of the occupants was found in possession of a firearm. Police said Gurwinder Singh has been charged with seven Criminal Code offences, including possession of a loaded restricted or prohibited firearm, c
cbsa-launches-hundreds-of-immigration-investigations-linked-to-extortion-networks-across-canada
CanadaMay 13, 2026

CBSA launches hundreds of immigration investigations linked to extortion networks across Canada

The Canada Border Services Agency says it has launched hundreds of immigration investigations tied to alleged extortion networks operating across Canada, with dozens of foreign nationals already deported as part of the enforcement effort. According to information shared during a public safety roundtable in British Columbia, the agency had opened 446 immigration investigations nationwide as of May 7 involving foreign nationals suspected of participating in or being connected to extortion-related activities. The CBSA said 118 removal orders have been issued following those investigations, while
AlbertaMay 12, 2026

Elections Alberta says Centurion Project leader not co-operating in voter list leak probe

Elections Alberta says the man linked to a major voter information leak has not co-operated with an ongoing investigation into the unauthorized use of the province’s official voter registry. In a statement, the agency said Centurion Project leader David Parker has not complied with a cease-and-desist letter issued last week. The letter required Parker to sign a declaration confirming he would stop using Alberta’s official voter list, which contains the names and addresses of nearly three million residents. According to Elections Alberta, investigators identified the Centurion Project as th
b-c-nurses-vote-overwhelmingly-in-favour-of-strike-action
BCMay 12, 2026

B.C. nurses vote overwhelmingly in favour of strike action

Members of the British Columbia Nurses Union have voted 98.2 per cent in favour of strike action as contract negotiations with the province remain stalled. The union said more than 50,000 of its roughly 55,000 members participated in the vote after bargaining talks reached an impasse in April. Key issues in negotiations include wages, benefits and ongoing staffing shortages across the health-care system. The BCNU has not announced a strike date. Any potential job action would follow further negotiations and could involve mediation or additional bargaining steps under provincial labour rules. T

Related News