Canada calls for calm, immediate de-escalation between Palestine, Israel

By Firdevs Bulut Kartal

TORONTO (AA) - The government of Canada issued a statement on Friday calling for calm and immediate de-escalation in Israel and Palestine to prevent further loss of civilian life.

“Canada is deeply concerned by the escalation between Israel and Gaza and stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity and without fear," said the statement.

“We are saddened by the tragic loss of civilian lives in Gaza and Israel, including children in Gaza. All civilians must be protected and international law must be respected," it added.

Canada also condemned the firing of rockets into Israel and reiterated Israel’s right to defend its security from terrorist attacks, in accordance with human rights and international humanitarian law.

“We urge all parties to refrain from actions that could escalate violence and undermine prospects for peace," the statement read.

To support a just and lasting peace, Canada said it will continue to take a principled approach in cooperation with international partners.

Fighting between Israel and Palestinian factions continued for the fourth day in a row on Friday, bringing the total death toll from airstrikes to 31, including six children and three women.

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, 93 others, including 32 children and 17 women, have been injured during the last four days of Israeli forces air attacks.

Regional and international powers have urged an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Palestine, but have been unsuccessful thus far.

The Israeli army has said the airstrikes are part of its Operation Shield and Arrow, an offensive launched after rockets were fired from Gaza following the death of a Palestinian inmate who was on a hunger strike in an Israeli prison.

According to Palestinian figures, more than 160 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the start of this year. At least 20 Israelis have also been killed in separate attacks during the same period.