Cooperation Canada is deeply alarmed by the rapidly escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, and the dramatic consequences already unfolding across the region, including Lebanon, Gulf countries and beyond.

Within days of the escalation, densely populated areas have been struck, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths and injuries and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. United Nations officials and humanitarian organizations have expressed grave concern about the growing toll on civilians as military strikes expand across multiple countries. The bombing of an all-girls primary school, killing at least 165 children and injuring many others, underscores the devastating and unacceptable impact of the violence on civilian communities and the grave risks posed by the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

International humanitarian law is clear. Civilians must never be targets of violence.

All states must uphold their obligations under the UN Charter, including the prohibition on the use of force except in accordance with international law. Indiscriminate attacks, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and actions contributing to forced displacement raise serious legal and humanitarian concerns.

The violence is further driving mass forced displacement of populations in Lebanon, where humanitarian agencies have activated emergency response measures, opening shelters and registering families forced to flee their homes. As hostilities intensify, humanitarian actors are facing growing operational constraints, including clinic closures, supply shortages and restricted access to affected communities at a time when global humanitarian needs are already at record levels and funding shortfalls are straining response capacity.

This escalation is also unfolding amid ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and rising tensions in the West Bank. The failure to sustain a ceasefire and continued attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure further compound suffering and place additional strain on already overstretched humanitarian systems across the region.

Without immediate de-escalation of hostilities, there will be severe and unpredictable consequences for regional stability, civilian populations and international peace and security. Military escalation will not deliver lasting security and will continue to deepen humanitarian crises across the region.

Canada has confirmed that it was not consulted on and is not participating in these military operations and is currently focused on protecting Canadians in the region.

In this context, Canada has an important role to play and must push for an immediate and sustained ceasefire in close coordination with like-minded partner countries.

Cooperation Canada therefore calls on the Government of Canada to:

  • Use all diplomatic channels to press for immediate de-escalation and prioritize diplomacy while supporting credible mediation efforts, including through the United Nations and other multilateral institutions, recognizing that diplomacy remains the only viable path to preventing further civilian suffering and regional destabilization.
  • Take a principled and values-based position and publicly reaffirm the obligation of all parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, including the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and civilian infrastructure.
  • Scale up humanitarian assistance and support safe, rapid, and sustained humanitarian access for organizations responding to growing displacement and civilian need, including support for neighbouring countries hosting displaced populations and communities facing the broader humanitarian and infrastructure impacts of the conflict.
  • Ensure Canada’s policies, including arms export decisions, are fully consistent with its obligations under international law, including the Arms Trade Treaty.

The people affected by these conflicts deserve safety, dignity and protection from further harm.

For decades, Cooperation Canada members and Canadian organizations have worked alongside partners in the region to alleviate human suffering, safeguard civilians and support communities affected by conflict.

Given Canada’s longstanding humanitarian engagement and constructive diplomatic role in the region, it has the credibility to help advance efforts to pursue peaceful solutions.

At this critical moment, the Government of Canada must act to support diplomacy, humanitarian response and the protection of civilians.

Media Contact

Gabriel Karasz-Perriau, Senior Communications Manager
gkaraszperriau@cooperation.ca
(514) 945-0309

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