News|Crimes Against HumanityCanada tells Israel that Lebanon’s sovereignty ‘must not be violated’Canada and France have told Israel to halts plans to occupy southern Lebanon as invasion preparations under way.

The Canadian government has issued a statement condemning Israel's plans to occupy southern Lebanon. The statement emphasizes that Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity must be preserved, opposing any potential ground invasion by Israeli forces into the northern neighbor.

Israel is reportedly preparing to extend its control to a territory up to 30 km inside Lebanon's southern border. Recent Israeli attacks have resulted in a death toll of at least 1,072 individuals in Lebanon, with nearly 3,000 wounded since the beginning of the month.

More than a million individuals have been displaced due to Israeli military activities in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as Beirut. The situation is raising concerns about an impending humanitarian crisis.

The Canadian Ministry of Global Affairs has expressed solidarity with the Lebanese government, urging all parties to adhere to international law and protect civilians. The ministry highlighted the need to avoid attacks on infrastructure, health workers, and peacekeepers.

France has also voiced its concerns, with Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot advising Israel against the planned occupation, citing significant humanitarian impacts.

Israel has announced military plans to control the area up to the Litani River, approximately 30 km from the Israeli border. Israel's Minister of Defence, Israel Katz, stated that Lebanese residents displaced would not be allowed to return until security is ensured for northern Israeli residents.

Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich has advocated for the official annexation of southern Lebanon, suggesting a change in Israel's borders to the Litani River.

In preparation for the invasion, Israel has targeted infrastructure such as the Qasmiyeh Bridge, considered vital for southern Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described these actions as a precursor to a ground invasion.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that nine individuals were killed in recent Israeli strikes. Specific incidents included an attack on Adloun, resulting in four deaths, and a strike on the Mieh Mieh refugee camp, which killed two and injured four others. Another raid on Habboush resulted in three deaths and 18 injuries.

In northern Israel, a woman was killed after a rocket attack from Lebanon, amid ongoing air raid alerts.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.