A group of 190 former Canadian diplomats has called on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to impose strict sanctions against Israel. The appeal, reported by The Canadian Press, was made through a signed letter citing Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon. The diplomats warned that without strong international sanctions, Israel would continue to disregard international law and human rights while expanding settlements.

The letter acknowledged Israel’s legitimate security concerns regarding Hezbollah but condemned the destruction of entire cities and the deaths of large numbers of civilians as serious violations of international law. The appeal comes amid growing domestic pressure on Canada to respond to Israel’s operations in Gaza and the occupied territories.

The diplomats’ collective stance highlights a rising internal debate in Canada over its foreign policy toward the Middle East, particularly in light of ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon.