Canadian federal leaders are condemning a surprise attack by the Hamas militant group on Saturday that was the deadliest in Israel in years.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “Canada strongly condemns the current terrorist attack against Israel” Said in X’s post, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “These acts of violence are completely unacceptable. We stand with Israel and fully support its right to defend itself. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this. Civilian lives are at stake. It must be protected.”
“We are clear,” Conservative Party leader Pierre Poièvre said in a statement. Blame “The invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists and the sadistic violence they subsequently perpetrated against innocent civilians.”
“Israel has the right to defend itself against these attacks and to take action against the attackers. Canadians stand in solidarity with all victims.”
Hamas militants fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of fighters into Israeli communities early Saturday, during a major Jewish holiday.
The Israeli National Rescue Service said at least 40 people were killed and hundreds injured. An unknown number of Israeli military personnel and civilians have also been taken to Gaza.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip said at least 198 people were killed and at least 1,610 injured in the Israeli retaliation.
“Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ multi-pronged terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens.” Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said:.
“Canada firmly supports Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism under international law. My thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by these attacks.”
Conservative Party foreign affairs critic Michael Chong MP said: The party said it stood “Standing with Israel in this difficult time”
“Conservatives unequivocally condemn terrorist attacks by Hamas. We fully support Israel’s right to defend itself. We also unequivocally condemn Hamas’ deliberate killing of civilians and hostage-taking.”
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also “strongly” condemned the “horrific attack by Hamas against Israel.”
“Civilians should never be targeted and all hostages must be released immediately.” he added. “We are afraid of what is to come. Terrorism and violence will not solve anything.”
His foreign affairs critic Heather McPherson said: also said She is “deeply concerned” about the escalation in violence and the suffering it is causing to Israelis and Palestinians.
“My heart breaks for the civilians brutally murdered by Hamas in Israel,” she said. “Violence and terrorism must stop. At this devastating time, we must renew our commitment to peace.”
With files from Associated Press
