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OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada’s goal is to avoid a wider war in the Middle East after Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel Tuesday.
Trudeau said Iran’s actions would only make the situation worse.
“We unreservedly condemn Iran’s ballistic missile attack against Israel. It is further destabilizing action by this terrorist regime in the region, putting civilians at risk and running the risk of a wider war,” he said.
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In recent days, Israel has launched a ground invasion into Lebanon to confront the terrorist group Hezbollah along with airstrikes, while it continues its operations in Gaza. It also launched an airstrike on Yemen.
Iran launched nearly 200 missiles at Israel largely targeting civilian areas. While there was no loss of life, Israel has pledged to retaliate against Iran.
Trudeau met virtually with other G7 leaders Wednesday morning. He said Canada believes Israel has every right to defend itself, but he said the G7 is hoping to avoid having the conflict grow any further.
“We have to try and do everything we can to avoid a wider war, to protect civilians and to get humanitarian aid into affected regions,” he said.
He reiterated Canada’s call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
“As an international community, we have to continue to do everything we can to call for peace and stability, which means calling for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, calling for ceasefires in Gaza and getting back on track for a two-state solution.”
The government is also helping Canadians in Lebanon leave the country with flights to Istanbul, which it has purchased in advance.
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Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said the government was in touch with over 1,000 Canadians in Lebanon and managed to get 310 people on a flight yesterday, while also offering seats to Americans, Australians and New Zelanders. She said Canada has over 600 seats on planes leaving the country in the next few days.
Joly said she understands leaving is difficult for Canadians in Lebanon, but pleaded with them to take the flights now, while they can.
“This is about your own safety and the safety of your loved ones, so please take the seat.”
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