12.5°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

calgary-police-seize-cache-of-weapons-arrest-3-20-charges-laid
FeaturedSep 24, 2026

Calgary Police Seize Cache of Weapons, Arrest 3; 20 Charges Laid

Police have seized a large cache of weapons and arrested three people following a search of a home in northeast Calgary. According to police, officers executed a search warrant on Sept. 10 at a residence in the 100 block of Covington Rise N.E. The search resulted in the seizure of a Glock 17 handgun, an H&R Arms Co. .22-calibre revolver, a 3D-printed Glock 18 handgun, a 3D-printed Glock magazine and suppressor, a 3D printer and a replica BB gun. Staff Sgt. Matt Gao said every illegal firearm seized helps reduce the risk of someone being seriously harmed or killed in the community. The thre
BCSep 24, 2026

Pedestrian Killed After Being Struck by Ford Pickup in Hope

A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a Ford pickup truck on Highway 3 in the Hope area of B.C. Wednesday night. Hope RCMP said police received a report of the collision at around 8:38 p.m. When officers arrived at the scene, the pedestrian had already died. Just minutes before the crash, police had also received a report of a person walking in the slow lane near the Highway 1 junction on Highway 5. Police said the truck driver remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with the investigation. Corporal Carmen Keener said there were no initial indications that alcohol was a factor.
CanadaSep 24, 2026

Canada Lifts Deportation Pause for Four Middle Eastern Countries

Canada has lifted a temporary suspension on removals to four Middle Eastern countries, meaning deportation proceedings for individuals from those countries who are not legally admissible to remain in Canada can resume immediately. The temporary pause had been introduced amid security concerns arising from the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, which raised concerns about the safety of civilians in the region. The suspension applied to removals to Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The Canada Border Services Agency has now announced that the pause has been lifted. As a result, indi
trumps-possible-u-s-diesel-export-ban-could-drive-up-global-prices
CanadaSep 24, 2026

Trump’s Possible U.S. Diesel Export Ban Could Drive Up Global Prices

Consumers in Canada and around the world could face higher costs if U.S. President Donald Trump moves ahead with a potential ban on American diesel exports. Trump has recently indicated that he could restrict diesel exports in an effort to lower prices for U.S. consumers. Rising oil prices linked to the war in the Middle East are creating political pressure ahead of the November midterm elections, with Republicans facing the risk of losing control of Congress. Media reports suggest the proposed restriction could remain in place for 90 days. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has confirmed t
BCSep 24, 2026

Former BC Conservative leader John Rustad will not seek re-election

Former BC Conservative leader John Rustad will not seek re-election in his riding in the Oct. 24 provincial election, with the party expected to nominate a new candidate there. The political development comes as the BC Conservatives announced business and political leader Pavneet Singh as their candidate in Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream. Singh currently serves as the party’s vice-president. The party’s board of directors has also outlined its position on the leadership of interim leader Lorne Doerkson. According to a statement from the board, if Doerkson leads the party to victory in the

Related News