Canadian authorities recently called upon Israeli Ambassador Iddo Moed to conduct an inquiry into the death of Mohammad Hassan Haidar, a Canadian national in southern Lebanon, as confirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand on Tuesday. Anand mentioned during an interview with CBC News before a regular cabinet meeting that they had engaged with the Israeli ambassador and urged Israel to carry out a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
Additionally, Myah Tomasi, a spokesperson for Anand’s office, informed CBC News that Canada’s Ambassador to Israel, Leslie Scanlon, also met with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which agreed to initiate an investigation. Anand emphasized the significance of this investigation, stating that they were insistent on its importance.
Haidar’s family held a press conference in Windsor, Ont., where they emotionally disclosed that he was killed in a drone strike on April 10 in Qana, southern Lebanon, while aiding an injured individual outside his residence.
Despite attempts to reach out to the embassy regarding Haidar’s demise and Moed’s discussions with Canadian officials, there has been no response. Israel has not taken responsibility for the incident.
This marks the third time Anand has summoned Moed for a démarche since last spring. In May 2025, Anand requested a meeting following shots fired by the Israeli military near a delegation that included Canadians. In December of the same year, Anand called upon Moed again after Canadian MPs were prevented from entering the West Bank and Jerusalem. The Israeli government cited sponsorship by a group considered a terrorist organization as the reason for the blockade.
The Canadian government has previously urged Israel to investigate its military’s activities. In August 2024, then-International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen requested an inquiry into a demolished Canadian water treatment facility in Gaza. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also sought clarity on the death of Canadian aid worker Jacob Flickinger during a strike in Gaza earlier that year.
The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged the mistake in the strike that killed Flickinger and expressed regret. Global Affairs received an update from Israel on the water plant issue in September 2024, but declined to disclose the findings.