As the world grapples with the aftermath of Saturday’s Iranian airstrike on Israel, Israel’s ambassador to Canada called on Ottawa to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
in an interview on sunday rosemary burton liveIdo Moed said there was no further evidence needed to justify the designation and the measure should be the first of a broader international response.
“The first step is [IRGC] as a terrorist organization. It needs to happen now, it needs to happen today,” Moed told CBC chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton.
“This is really a wake-up call for all of us. We must act,” he said.
Iran attacked on Saturday with about 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles, according to Israel. The newspaper said on Sunday that very few of the weapons had penetrated Israel’s air defense systems and caused little damage to Israel.
Iran has vowed revenge since an April 1 airstrike in Syria killed two Iranian generals inside the Iranian consulate. Iran has accused Israel of being behind the attack, but Israel has not claimed responsibility. Iran said it “considered the issue resolved” following its attack.
The Israeli military said it was discussing possible follow-up options.
Asked on Sunday about the possibility of further escalation, Moed said: “The important thing to note is that if Israel is attacked, Israel will strike back.”
Individuals are authorized, but the entire organization is not authorized
The federal Liberal government has long resisted calls to designate the entire Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization. They argue that such listing would be a heavy-handed approach that could affect lower-class citizens forced to serve in paramilitary groups. CIA says Compensate for conscription More than 50 percent of the IRGC.
The federal government is using the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to ban senior Iranian regime officials from entering Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in January that his government was still exploring the possibility of taking the Revolutionary Guards public.
“We know there is still work to be done to hold the government accountable, and we will continue to do so, including continuing to find ways to responsibly designate the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization,” Trudeau said. Ta.
In another interview on Sunday rosemary burton liveCanada’s Ambassador to the United Nations Bob Rae said the government will continue to consider how to deal with the Revolutionary Guards issue.
“I think that’s something we’ve considered…I think that decision has implications and needs to be thought through in terms of the numbers that are subject to such a blanket designation,” he said. Ta.
“We have preferred to take a more targeted approach in terms of individuals being named, but I think we will continue to reflect on that.”
The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet on Sunday at Israel’s request. But Wray said it was unlikely that member states such as Russia would support a blanket condemnation of Iran.
“I think this gives countries an opportunity to make their case and for the public to understand how truly unacceptable this escalation by Iran is.” [is]. ”
In a statement released on Sunday, the G7 condemned Iran’s attack and expressed solidarity with Israel.
“With its actions, Iran risks taking another step towards regional destabilization and triggering uncontrolled regional escalation, which must be avoided,” the statement said.
The G7 said it would continue to work to “end the Gaza crisis and strengthen humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need, including continuing efforts towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas.”