Canadian Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai condemned Israel's "unlawful invasion" of Lebanon during a visit to Beirut, stating that the Lebanese government should govern its own territory. Sarai announced new humanitarian aid for the crisis-stricken country, where the United Nations reports approximately 360,000 people remain displaced due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Sarai expressed that Canada has been actively working through diplomatic channels to halt the conflict and facilitate the return of Lebanese communities to their homes. The current escalation between Israel and Hezbollah began on March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel, two days after U.S. and Israeli forces attacked Iran. The ensuing conflict has resulted in over 4,000 deaths, extensive destruction in southern Lebanon, and at one point displaced over a million people.
Israel has launched a ground offensive and currently occupies numerous towns and villages in southern Lebanon, many of which have been significantly damaged. Israeli officials have indicated they will not withdraw until Hezbollah is disarmed. Canada has previously criticized Israel's military operations in both Gaza and Lebanon, and it designates Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, condemning its attacks on Israel.
During his visit, Sarai announced three new Canadian programs in Lebanon aimed at supporting vulnerable families and women. This initiative raises Canada's total assistance to Lebanon this year to over 71 million Canadian dollars (approximately $50.23 million USD). Over the past decade, Canada has provided Lebanon with around 800 million Canadian dollars ($575 million USD) in aid, including nearly $38 million in March for essential supplies such as food and medical services.
"Our commitment is long-term, and we're there for Lebanon," Sarai stated, after visiting shelters housing individuals displaced by the war and Syrian refugees. He also met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who assumed their positions last year with pledges to reestablish state authority across Lebanon and enact anti-corruption reforms amidst an ongoing economic crisis rooted in decades of corruption.
Sarai conveyed optimism regarding Lebanon's ability to fulfill its reform promises, noting that "the world is really watching and supportive of this government, and optimistic that they will achieve those goals." Canada is also contributing to creating a safe environment in Syria to encourage the return of refugees, focusing on access to food, water, and schools.
Lebanon previously hosted an estimated 1.5 million refugees during Syria's nearly 14-year civil war. According to Lebanon's social affairs minister, about half a million Syrians have returned since former Syrian President Bashar Assad was ousted in December 2024.