18.38°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

CanadaJun 23, 2026

Porter Airlines Cuts Fuel Surcharge on Reward Flights Amid Falling Oil Prices

Canadian carrier Porter Airlines has reduced the temporary fuel surcharge on bookings for its new VIPorter reward flights from $40 to $20, effective Tuesday, citing lower oil prices and improving market conditions. Although oil prices have remained volatile since the conflict involving Iran began in February and are still nearly 50 per cent higher than a year ago, the airline says it plans to eliminate the surcharge entirely once market conditions stabilize further. Porter's decision has raised expectations that other airlines may also reduce their fuel surcharges in the coming weeks. The surc
u-s-kayaker-dies-after-capsizing-on-b-c-s-okanagan-lake
BCJun 23, 2026

U.S. Kayaker Dies After Capsizing on B.C.'s Okanagan Lake

A tragic boating accident on British Columbia's Okanagan Lake has claimed the life of an American kayaker after strong winds caused two people to capsize. West Kelowna RCMP said the incident occurred Friday evening near the Westbank First Nation beach when two kayakers were caught in sudden and dangerous wind conditions on the lake. While attempting to swim back to shore, one of the kayakers disappeared underwater. People on nearby boats quickly responded and managed to rescue one of the kayakers, but the second person could not be located. The Central Okanagan Search and Rescue team later rec
house-destroyed-in-wildfire-near-b-c-s-lytton-village-ahead-of-2021-fire-anniversary
BCJun 23, 2026

House Destroyed in Wildfire Near B.C.'s Lytton Village Ahead of 2021 Fire Anniversary

A home has been completely destroyed by an out-of-control wildfire near the Village of Lytton, B.C. The incident comes just days before the fifth anniversary of the devastating 2021 wildfire that destroyed much of the community and claimed two lives. Officials say it remains unclear how many other structures may have been damaged by the current blaze, as emergency crews have not yet been able to fully assess the affected areas. According to the latest update from the B.C. Wildfire Service, the Saw Creek wildfire near Lytton has now burned approximately 704 hectares. However, the agency noted
carney-pays-tribute-to-air-india-flight-182-victims-vows-stronger-security-measures
CanadaJun 23, 2026

Carney Pays Tribute to Air India Flight 182 Victims, Vows Stronger Security Measures

Prime Minister Mark Carney has issued a statement marking the National Day of Remembrance for the victims of the Air India Flight 182 bombing, paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the tragedy 41 years ago. Carney said the attack claimed the lives of 329 innocent people, including 268 Canadians, making it the deadliest act of terrorism in Canadian history. Honouring the victims of Flight 182, the prime minister stressed the need for continued vigilance against violent extremism and highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening national security laws. He said new measures
AlbertaJun 23, 2026

Alberta Reverses Increase in Minimum Alcohol Prices

Alberta's liquor authority has cancelled a recent increase to the minimum price of alcohol sold in bars and restaurants. The decision comes after a weekend social media dispute between Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas. Smith and senior members of her government criticized Calgary City Council over new noise and curfew rules introduced for the Calgary Stampede. In response, Mayor Farkas criticized the province's decision to raise minimum alcohol prices. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said Calgary's leadership should follow the province's example by repealing the contr

Related News