(Ottawa) Without going so far as to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Justin Trudeau calls for a “significant” humanitarian pause – not only to deliver humanitarian aid and get out those trapped in Gaza , but also so that the context lends itself to a return to negotiations on the two-state solution.
If we must do “everything we can to reduce violence”, and allow access to “real, substantial aid” in the enclave, we must also start thinking about solutions for the future, pleaded the Prime Minister on Wednesday in a press scrum, upon his arrival at the weekly meeting of his caucus.
“We also need to be able to start conversations about what the solution is going to be [à] medium and long term – how we are going to establish these two prosperous, secure, viable states. A responsible Palestinian state that protects and cares for citizens, a state of Israel, a Jewish state, protected, secure,” he insisted.
While denouncing the “horrible” and “unimaginable” attacks perpetrated in Israel a month and a day ago by Hamas, Justin Trudeau condemned “death”, as well as the “devastation, the destruction of families, elders , children of mothers” which followed in the Gaza Strip, where the toll crossed the threshold of 10,000 victims.
He was still pleased that Canada managed to evacuate 75 people on Tuesday through the Rafah border crossing, which separates the enclave from Egypt. But “there are still hundreds of people and families to be released”, not to mention the hostages held by Hamas since the attacks of October 7, he recalled.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents and their loved ones are on a list to evacuate on Wednesday and Thursday, according to our information.
“Appalling” hateful gestures in Canada
In his energetic speech in front of the cameras on Wednesday morning, the Prime Minister also called for a de-escalation of tensions and divisions in the country.
The rise of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are “appalling”, he said.
“If we can’t get along better in Canada – better, not just get along, listen to each other – in what country in the world will they be able to get closer? », Launched Justin Trudeau.
Thus, hateful gestures targeting synagogues, targeted Jewish businesses, community centers and Jewish daycares must stop, as well as the “recrimination of anyone who dares to show a Palestinian flag,” he declared.