18°c Overcast
14°c Cloudy periods
The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION
Harper condemns attacks on Israeli cities, urges both sides to spare innocents
Prime Minister Stephen Harper responds to reporters' questions of the presence of the Canadian flag at the Quebec legislature Friday, November 16, 2012 at the Citadelle in Quebec City. Harper was announcing the reconstruction of the historic drill hall that was destroyed in a fire in 2008. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
QUEBEC CITY, Que. - Prime Minister Stephen Harper condemned rocket attacks against Israel as tensions continued to rise in the Middle East.
His remarks, in Quebec City, came as the Israeli military prepared for a possible ground incursion into the Palestinian-controlled Gaza region, which observers say could lead to a dramatic escalation of the conflict.
Aside from the call-up of reservists, the Israeli Defence Force announced Friday that a highway leading to Gaza would be off-limits to civilian traffic, according to published reports in the region.
Rockets fired by Hamas militants were aimed at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem — two targets previously thought out of range of missiles from Gaza.
There is speculation in the defence community that militants are using Iranian-made Fajr-5 missiles.
Harper's government has been a staunch, outspoken backer of Israel, and recently won applause from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government for the abrupt closure of the Canadian embassy in Tehran.
"We recognize and support Israel's right to defend itself against such terrorist attacks, but obviously we urge all sides to take all precautions possible to spare any innocent lives," Harper said Friday.
Three Israelis were killed in the bombardment Thursday, while published reports in the Middle East claim the death toll among Palestinians has hit 22.
The uncertain climate was underscored at an international defence symposium in Halifax, where Defence Minister Peter MacKay described volatility in the Middle East and elsewhere "as the new normal."
"The bottom line is that there is a complex interplay of events and trends; threats and challenges … confluences that can create unforeseen outcomes," MacKay told participants at the invitation-only event.
He also warned against Iran's nuclear aims, which the government in Tehran characterizes as peaceful but many other nations, including Israel, see as an attempt to acquire nuclear weapons.
"We continue to bear witness to atrocities across the Middle East and the possibility of even greater atrocities if Iran successfully builds a nuclear bomb," said MacKay.
The unfolding crisis drove oil prices up by one per cent on Friday.
More FP News Top Story
- Back to Top
- Return to FP News Top Story
More FP News Top Story
(1 of 43 articles for this week)
Duffy expense controversy sent back to closed-door Senate committee
05/21/2013 10:02 PM 0
Poll
Most Popular FP News Top Story
- Pakistani model's tattooed nude photo in Indian magazine causes uproar
- Dates set for recreational food fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Israeli archaeologists discover ancient clay seal in Jerusalem, suggest link to Temple ritual
- Serena Williams beats Sharapova to win 50th career title in Madrid; Nadal wins men's event
- Sean Penn urges US to pressure Bolivia to free American businessman held nearly 2 years
- Alberta town's plan to eliminate rabbit scourge has some people hopping mad
- Montreal landmark beating out some of world's most famous sites in Lego contest
- Quebecor hopes that NHL team and performers at arena will give it more content
- Lundqvist blanks Devils, Kreider shines in Rangers' series-opening 3-0 win
- Body of Canadian climber recovered on Everest to be airlifted off mountain
- Dates set for recreational food fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Pakistani model's tattooed nude photo in Indian magazine causes uproar
- In unusual pattern, Oklahoma tornado tracked path of 1999 monster twister with record winds
- Unidentified victims of Bangladesh collapse buried as more graves are readied; toll now 420
- Israeli archaeologists discover ancient clay seal in Jerusalem, suggest link to Temple ritual
- A closer look at the 3 new game consoles from Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony
- Military ombudsman appeals to defence chief over home-equity losses
- Car bomb at French Embassy in Libyan capital wounds 3 in latest sign of deepening lawlessness
- Sens-Habs series gets ugly:Eric Gryba suspended two games for Lars Eller hit
- Actress Sophie Turner drops hints on 'Game of Thrones' season 3
- ESPN says it regrets that reporter described gay NBA player Collins as a sinner
- Pakistani model's tattooed nude photo in Indian magazine causes uproar
- Unidentified victims of Bangladesh collapse buried as more graves are readied; toll now 420
- Dates set for recreational food fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Census 2011 makes history: population in the West surpasses that in the East
- Car bomb at French Embassy in Libyan capital wounds 3 in latest sign of deepening lawlessness
- Israeli archaeologists discover ancient clay seal in Jerusalem, suggest link to Temple ritual
- As Boston mourns, suspected brothers' radicalism comes into focus
- Still no winner for $50 million Lotto Max jackpot, but Manitoba has a $1 million winner
- Police: Boston Marathon bomb suspect fired shots from boat, hospitalized in serious condition
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.