Canada Monitors Middle East Tensions Amid Iran-Israel Drone Clash

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly has stated that Canadian officials are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East following reports of Iran firing air defenses to counter a suspected Israeli drone attack on Friday morning. Joly’s remarks, posted on social media platform X early Friday, coincided with a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Italy, who issued a joint statement on the matter.

The G7 statement expressed full solidarity and support for Israel, emphasizing a commitment to Israel’s security while denouncing Iran’s actions as destabilizing for the region. The ministers urged all parties to work towards de-escalation and called on Iran to cease supporting non-state actors like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

The recent escalation follows Iran’s drone and missile attack against Israel on April 13, during which Israel reported successfully intercepting the majority of projectiles fired. In response, Joly had previously called for de-escalation in the conflict during a press briefing on Parliament Hill.

Canada’s stance on de-escalation in the region has been consistent since the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Hamas last October. The ongoing violence has resulted in a significant loss of life and displacement of civilians, prompting calls for humanitarian aid to Gaza from the international community, including the G7.

The G7 foreign ministers expressed grave concern over the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza and emphasized the urgent need for a stable flow of aid into the territory. They also reiterated their readiness to take further measures, including sanctions, in response to any further destabilizing actions by Iran.