Nearly 200 Former Canadian Diplomats Urge Sanctions on Israel

Nearly 200 former Canadian diplomats have called on the government to impose robust sanctions on Israel, citing deteriorating conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory and Lebanon. The Canadian Press reported that the ex-diplomats sent a letter to media outlets stating that 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 was signed by 190 former diplomats who held high-ranking positions. "While Canada recognizes Israel’s legitimate security concerns regarding Hezbollah, the razing of entire towns and the high civilian death toll is a serious violation of international law," the letter said, referring to the situation in Lebanon.

At least seven people were killed and dozens wounded during an Israeli bombardment of a residential building and a civilian vehicle west of Gaza City, according to a source in the ambulance service who spoke anonymously. Among the dead were three Palestinian women and a child.

Medics reported at least three Palestinians killed and more than 30 wounded in Israeli air strikes on a residential apartment and a civilian car in the same area. Israel said it targeted Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the highest-ranking military commander for Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

It is not immediately clear if the strikes are related.

Ceasefire Extension Agreed The U.S.

State Department announced that the Israel-Lebanon cessation of hostilities, which began on April 16, will be extended by 45 days. A spokesperson said the extension was agreed after two days of highly-productive U.S.-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon.