Ottawa: Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Thursday "strongly" condemned Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon, calling on Tel Aviv to respect the country's territorial integrity.

According to Anadolu Agency, Anand expressed Canada's strong disapproval of the airstrikes launched by Israel, which included attacks in Beirut that resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. Anand emphasized the importance of respecting and protecting civilians, describing these as non-negotiable requirements under international law.

Anand also condemned Hezbollah's attacks against Israel, urging the group to disarm and adhere to decisions made by the Government of Lebanon. She reiterated Canada's support for the Lebanese government's efforts to restore and exercise full state authority, asserting that Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty must be upheld.

The Canadian Foreign Minister called for all parties involved to pursue a credible and durable diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict. The situation escalated when Israel carried out one of its largest strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday, amidst a military offensive against Hezbollah initiated last month. These attacks have resulted in at least 254 deaths and 1,165 injuries, as reported by Lebanon's Civil Defense.

The recent developments have heightened concerns about the possibility of a renewed Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon, potentially extending to the Litani River.