6.51°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

some-haitian-migrants-arrested-in-southern-quebec-deported-to-u-s-after-asylum-review
CanadaJan 02, 2026

Some Haitian migrants arrested in southern Quebec deported to U.S. after asylum review

Some of the Haitian migrants arrested by RCMP officers in southern Quebec on Christmas Day have been deported to the United States after their asylum claims were reviewed by federal authorities. The Canada Border Services Agency says all 19 individuals had their claims assessed, and those found to be inadmissible under Canadian law were returned to the U.S. The agency did not specify how many people were deported following the review. Federal officials point to the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States, which requires asylum seekers to make a refugee claim in the fi
IndiaJan 02, 2026

Former DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar denied bail by CBI court

Former Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General Harcharan Singh Bhullar has suffered a legal setback after a CBI special court in Chandigarh rejected his bail application. The order was passed on Friday following a detailed hearing in the case. During the proceedings, the court heard arguments from both the prosecution and the defence. The hearing took place after the court had earlier directed both sides to submit their replies and present their positions on the bail plea. Bhullar had also approached the Supreme Court seeking interim bail and a stay on the ongoing CBI proceedings. However, the
abbotsford-police-say-traffic-enforcement-will-continue-into-2026-amid-safety-concerns
CanadaJan 02, 2026

Abbotsford police say traffic enforcement will continue into 2026 amid safety concerns

The Abbotsford Police Department says traffic enforcement will remain a key focus in 2026, citing ongoing concerns about collisions linked to speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving on local roads. Police say these factors continue to contribute to serious injuries and fatalities, many of which are considered preventable. Officers are expected to continue a mix of enforcement and public education aimed at improving safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians across the city. According to figures released by AbbyPD, officers issued more than 4,900 traffic violation tickets in 202
man-injured-as-surrey-police-probe-two-separate-overnight-shootings
BCJan 02, 2026

Man injured as Surrey police probe two separate overnight shootings

Surrey RCMP are investigating two separate shootings that occurred within about an hour overnight in different parts of the city, leaving one man injured and prompting renewed public safety concerns. Police say officers were first called shortly before midnight to the Newton neighbourhood near 140B Street and 59 Avenue. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to hospital and is expected to survive. A second man was arrested at the scene, and investigators say the incident does not appear to be connected to the recent extortion-related cases in Surrey. A
snowmobiler-killed-in-avalanche-near-tumbler-ridge-in-northeastern-b-c
BCJan 02, 2026

Snowmobiler killed in avalanche near Tumbler Ridge in northeastern B.C.

A snowmobiler has died after being caught in an avalanche in the Rocky Mountains of northeastern British Columbia, according to Avalanche Canada. The incident happened Tuesday in the Bullmoose area near Tumbler Ridge, where three snowmobilers were riding together. Avalanche Canada said the slide was remotely triggered from the bottom of the slope, highlighting the unstable conditions in the region at the time. One of the riders was fully buried by the avalanche and did not survive, despite rescue efforts by the other members of the group. No additional injuries were reported. Avalanche Canada

Related News