190 Ex-Diplomats Urge Carney for Israel Sanctions

Nearly 200 former senior Canadian diplomats urged Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday to impose robust sanctions on Israel amid worsening conditions in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon.

In an open letter circulated to media outlets, the 190 signatories, who held high-ranking positions during their careers, called on the federal government to review Canada's trade agreement with Israel and warn that a strategic partnership would be suspended unless conditions improve. The diplomats cited Israel's restrictions on humanitarian aid and journalists entering Gaza, rising settler violence in the West Bank, and a high civilian death toll in Lebanon from Israel's campaign against Hezbollah.

"Without robust international sanctions, the Israeli government will persist in disregarding international law and human rights and will press forward with its plans to expand settlements," the letter stated. It accused Israel of impeding aid despite a declared ceasefire, destroying civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and water facilities, and displacing Palestinians through settler actions often supported by Israeli police and military. Israel maintains its operations target Hamas in...