8.71°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

alberta-introduces-bill-to-restrict-minors-access-to-explicit-sexual-images-in-public-libraries
AlbertaApr 02, 2026

Alberta introduces bill to restrict minors’ access to explicit sexual images in public libraries

The Alberta government has introduced legislation aimed at limiting access by children and young teens to graphic sexual images in public libraries, according to a provincial announcement. Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams tabled the bill, which would apply to all public library systems across the province. The proposed law does not include a ban on books, but would require measures to prevent those aged 15 and under from accessing visual depictions of sex. According to the province, options under consideration include placing such materials in restricted sections or requiring library st
canada-super-60-season-2-returns-to-bc-place-stadium
BCApr 02, 2026

Canada Super 60 season 2 returns to BC Place Stadium

The Canada Super 60 league is set to return to Vancouver's iconic BC Place Stadium. The second season of the league has been announced. This time, the league will be played from September 29 to October 4. Organizers say that the league will once again see the combination of the game of cricket with entertainment, cultural activities and concerts. League organizer Yuvraj Singh, iconic former international cricketer, says that the first season was successful and we are happy that we are now going ahead with the second season. Yuvraj Singh with BC Premier David Eby at BC Place stadium during the
trump-removes-attorney-general-pam-bondi-white-house-confirms
WorldApr 02, 2026

Trump removes attorney general Pam Bondi, White House confirms

U.S. President Donald Trump has removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from her position, according to a White House official. The decision comes amid reported dissatisfaction with Bondi’s performance, including concerns over the handling of investigative files linked to Jeffrey Epstein, according to media reports. The White House official confirmed the dismissal but did not provide detailed reasons in a public statement. Reports also indicate Trump had expressed frustration over what he viewed as a lack of swift legal action against his political critics and opponents. Those claims have not bee
canada-joins-40-country-talks-on-strait-of-hormuz-shipping-amid-global-concerns
CanadaApr 02, 2026

Canada joins 40-country talks on Strait of Hormuz shipping amid global concerns

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand took part in a virtual meeting with more than 40 countries, including the United Kingdom and India, to discuss efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. The meeting was convened by U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who warned that Iran’s move to block the passage poses risks to the global economy, according to statements shared following the discussion. Anand emphasized the need to uphold international law and ensure freedom of navigation through the waterway. India was represented by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misr
police-outline-safety-plan-for-surrey-khalsa-day-vaisakhi-parade
BCApr 02, 2026

Police outline safety plan for Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade

The Surrey Police Service says it will deploy officers and coordinate with multiple regional units to manage safety and traffic during the Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade scheduled for April 18. According to a Surrey Police Service news release, the annual event draws tens of thousands of attendees and is among the largest Vaisakhi celebrations globally. Police said a public safety plan has been developed in coordination with the City of Surrey and event organizers, incorporating provincial guidance for large gatherings. Officers from several agencies are expected to assist, including the De

Related News