Statement by Scarborough MP Salma Zahid on Escalating Violence in Lebanon

According to media reports, nearly 500 people have been killed in Israeli air strikes on Lebanon and over 1,000 wounded. In an earlier Israeli pager and walkie talkie attack in Lebanon, at least 25 people were killed – including two children and four health care workers – and more than 600 wounded.

All people have the right to live in peace and security. The people of Israel have the right to live without the fear of rocket attacks. The people of Lebanon have the right to live without fear of pagers exploding when they visit the market or the fear of aerial bombing of their homes.

The endless cycle of attack and counterattack must end because it is always innocent civilians that pay the price.

These attacks are not making anyone safer and are not covered by any reasonable right to self-defense. The Israeli Netanyahu government must stop its escalation of this conflict, and I condemn the death of innocent civilians. The only way forward is peace and dialogue.

Canada must condemn these violent exchanges and call for an immediate cease fire, the unimpeded entry of badly needed humanitarian aid, and the return of all hostages and prisoners to their families.

I [Salma Zahid, Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre] am continuing to monitor the situation closely, and I urge all constituents with friends and loved ones to watch for updates from Global Affairs Canada and contact the Consular Affairs hotline and my office if they need assistance.