Title: Canada Expresses Concern for Gaza Amidst Israeli Backlash
Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, has called the situation in the Gaza Strip heartbreaking. Her remarks come after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for urging Israel to exercise restraint in its military actions against Hamas.
Addressing reporters in Mascouche, Quebec, Freeland expressed her deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She acknowledged the difficulty in witnessing the distressing images emerging from the region. Trudeau had earlier urged Israel’s government to exercise maximum restraint in its ongoing conflict with Hamas and emphasized the importance of justice not coming at the cost of the continued suffering of Palestinian civilians.
Israel initiated its military campaign against Hamas, recognized as a terrorist entity by Canada since 2002, following a series of attacks that claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and left hundreds of civilians in agricultural communities as hostages. In response, Israel launched airstrikes and a ground offensive in Gaza while restricting access to essential supplies. The territory was already under a years-long blockade by both Israel and Egypt. As a result, Palestinians in Gaza are now facing dire conditions, including electricity and water shortages, food scarcity, and limited medical resources. The health ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, reported the death toll to have surpassed 11,200, with two-thirds being women and children.
Trudeau’s comments drew swift and strong responses from both Netanyahu and Yair Lapid, the opposition leader in Israel. Netanyahu asserted that Israel strives to protect civilians, while Hamas deliberately uses them as shields. Lapid further criticized Trudeau for not acknowledging the challenging circumstances under which Israel is operating and expressed disappointment in his lack of support.
Trudeau had specifically mentioned the dire situation at Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest medical facility, where patients have been facing grave consequences due to Israeli ground forces surrounding the site and the hospital running out of fuel. Israel considers the hospital a key target, claiming that Hamas has established its command center there. However, these allegations are denied both by Hamas and hospital staff.
In addition to urging Israel to exercise restraint, Trudeau called for Hamas to cease using Palestinians as human shields and to release all hostages without delay. He stressed the need to end the violence, allowing Palestinians access to life-saving medical services, food, fuel, and water. Meanwhile, the leader of the New Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh, supported Trudeau’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of complying with international law and calling for a ceasefire to facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
While pressure mounts on Trudeau domestically from various quarters, including the National Council of Canadian Muslims and refugee settlement agencies, to call for an immediate ceasefire, he has proposed a sustained humanitarian pause instead. Israeli officials argue that a ceasefire would only provide Hamas an opportunity to regroup and launch more attacks. Canadian citizens and those connected to Canada who are in Gaza continue to seek assistance, but the approval for their evacuation remains uncertain.
In the wider context, Canada’s position seeks to strike a balance, addressing the pressing humanitarian concerns while acknowledging Israel’s security challenges. The government’s focus remains on urging all parties to de-escalate the situation, ensure the protection of innocent lives, and find a sustainable solution to the conflict.
Canada’s stance on the Gaza situation reflects its commitment to international law and a desire to promote peace. As the crisis in the region persists, the global community awaits a resolution that will bring relief to the suffering civilians and lasting stability to the region.
