Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand has called for restraint and respect for Lebanon's sovereignty following recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon that killed at least one Lebanese civilian and injured 12 others, according to Al Jazeera.

The strikes come amid ongoing ceasefire talks mediated by the United States, aiming to establish a security framework that includes Israeli withdrawal and deployment of the Lebanese army in the south. However, Israeli military sources report continuing limited strikes targeting villages in southern Lebanon.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed and several wounded after an explosion inside a booby-trapped building in southern Lebanon, an Israeli military statement said, amid negotiations to halt hostilities. Reuters reported that initial Israeli military claims blaming Hezbollah for the explosion were later toned down to avoid escalating the conflict.

Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada condemned the 2026 Israeli invasion of Lebanon as an illegal violation of Lebanese sovereignty, a departure from the Canadian government's stance during the 2006 conflict under then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper. CBC News analysis attributes this shift to evolving Canadian public attitudes toward Israeli military operations affecting civilians.

Lebanese communities near the southern border face widespread displacement. Israeli military orders for evacuation in border villages have prompted fear and instability among residents, with estimates suggesting over one million people affected and official government shelter capacity limited to 180,000, CBC News reported.

Hezbollah remains a political and militant force in Lebanon and has rejected direct talks with Israel and refused to disarm.

Global Affairs Canada released a joint statement in June, signed by 13 foreign ministers including Anand, calling for diplomatic efforts and restraint from all parties involved. The statement called for respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and the protection of civilians amid escalating violence.

Since March 2, Al Jazeera reports at least 4,333 Lebanese have been killed and 12,250 wounded during Israeli attacks.

Efforts to negotiate a lasting ceasefire continue. Reuters noted that talks started on Aug. 4, 2026, and were ongoing as of Aug. 6, with US mediation focusing on a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and enhanced Lebanese army presence in the south.

CBC News reported that the shift in Canada's position reflects domestic public attitudes and the influence of Canadian-Lebanese communities on government policy.