Lebanese Canadians are raising concerns over the Liberal government’s stance on the Gaza war after Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly urged Canadians in Lebanon to fly home.
Several airlines have already suspended service to Beirut as fears over a full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified.
“If tensions escalate, the situation on the ground may not allow us to help you, and you won’t be able to leave,” Joly tweeted on Wednesday.
Although the Department of National Defence said it has pre-positioned assets in the region in case evacuating Canadians from Lebanon is needed, some citizens say the government should have done more to help stop the Gaza conflict.
“Instead of exerting real pressure on Israel to stop the genocide in Gaza, assassinations and attacks on sovereign nations, the Canadian government is issuing these warnings or preparing for evacuations, seemingly accepting the threat,” said Christo El Morr, a professor of health informatics and the director of the Centre for Feminist Research at York University.
“Israel is bombarding Lebanon daily. Israeli forces have killed Lebanese citizens, including journalists and civilians.”
El Morr arrived in Canada two decades ago looking for “a better life.” He maintains strong ties to Lebanon.
He said he travels to his home country at least once a year to see family and friends, participate in cultural activities, and conduct research. He was in Lebanon a few weeks ago.
“The situation in most areas of Lebanon remains relatively stable,” said El Morr
“Canada and other democracies should be imposing sanctions on Israel instead of cooperating with and supporting it. Remember, Israel is a country whose president sees no innocent civilians in … Gaza.”
Hussein Hoballah echoed El Morr saying there is nothing that justifies the Canada’s lack of action over what Israel has been doing for 10 months.
He is the editor of Sadaonline, an Arabic news outlet based in Montreal.
Hoballah just got back from Lebanon, where, he said, he witnessed a lot of people leaving the region, while others arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.
“Despite all risks, Lebanese are sending a message that they have a strong tie to their homeland, and their sovereignty should not be threatened or breached,” he said
“Many are living normally as there is no war looming.”
Hoballah added that Canada should take concrete actions based on international law, accusing the government of a double standard and not caring for Palestinian and Lebanese lives.
