Canadian federal leaders from across the political spectrum have united in their condemnation of what has been described as an unprecedented and deadly assault on Israel by the Hamas militant group.
Deadliest Attack in Years
Early Saturday morning, during a major Jewish holiday, Israel was taken off guard by a surprise assault from Hamas militants. They fired thousands of rockets and successfully infiltrated the heavily fortified Israeli border through various means – by air, land, and sea. Israel’s national rescue service has reported at least 40 Israelis killed and hundreds injured, marking this as the deadliest attack on the country in years.
In retaliation, Israel’s defensive actions have resulted in at least 198 Palestinian deaths and at least 1,610 wounded, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza.
Canada’s Stance
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter, expressing Canada’s position on the matter. “Canada strongly condemns the current terrorist attacks against Israel,” Trudeau stated. “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 life must be protected.”
Canada strongly condemns the current terrorist attacks against Israel. 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 life must be protected.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 7, 2023
In a similar sentiment, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said he “unequivocally condemns the invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists and the sadistic violence they have subsequently carried out against innocent civilians.” He further reinforced Canada’s pledge of solidarity with all the victims.
I unequivocally condemn the invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists and the sadistic violence they have subsequently carried out against innocent civilians.
Israel has the right to defend itself against these attacks and respond against the attackers. Canadians pledge their…
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) October 7, 2023
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly also reiterated Canada’s stance, mentioning that “Canada unequivocally condemns the multi-front terror attack against Israeli citizens by Hamas.” Joly emphasized that Canada firmly stands by Israel and its right to defend itself under international law.
Canada unequivocally condemns the multi-front terror attack against Israeli citizens by Hamas.
Canada firmly stands with Israel and its right to defend itself against terror under international law. My heart is with the victims and all those affected by these attacks.
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) October 7, 2023
Conservative foreign affairs critic, MP Michael Chong, expressed his party’s support, stating they stand “with Israel at this difficult time.” He went on to emphasize the Conservative party’s condemnation of the “deliberate killing and hostage-taking of civilians by Hamas.”
Conservatives unequivocally condemn the terrorist attack by Hamas. We fully support Israel’s right to defend itself.
We also unequivocally condemn the deliberate killing and hostage-taking of civilians by Hamas.
Conservatives stand with Israel at this difficult time.#cdnpoli
— Michael Chong 🇨🇦 (@MichaelChongMP) October 7, 2023
Israel’s Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared the country is now at war with Hamas. He vowed to inflict an “unprecedented price” in response to the attacks, already initiating airstrikes in Gaza and engaging in gun battles in several communities.
The Broader Picture
As tensions rise and casualties mount, the international community watches closely. The situation brings to the forefront the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, and leaders worldwide will likely weigh in as events unfold.
