Justin Trudeau asks Canadians to show compassion and tolerance, while the disturbing news of violence in Israel and Gaza raises fears of excesses in the country.
“We must never forget that diversity is our strength,” argued the Prime Minister on Monday in a first speech in the House of Commons since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israeli civilians.
Mr. Trudeau recalled the Canadian position of support for Israel and denunciation of the terrorist group Hamas, which is a consensus among all parties in Ottawa. However, he insisted on Canada’s commitment to international law, and calls for a humanitarian corridor to Gaza.
“Even war has rules,” recalled the Liberal leader. We will always fight for the rule of law, no matter the circumstances. »
The Canadian Parliament was in recess last week, and had not met since the tragic events of October 7.
Last Thursday, Justin Trudeau several times avoided directly answering questions about his assessment of the legality of the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. Two days later, he called for obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza to be lifted, in a statement shared on his social networks.
Fears in the country
The Prime Minister insisted Monday on the importance of ensuring peace in Canada, in these circumstances where Jews and Arabs feel threatened by the climate of strong tensions abroad. He mentioned that people of the Jewish faith fear wearing the yarmulke in public, and that Muslims are now afraid of being labeled terrorists.
“Canada is not defined by a single historical, cultural, religious, ethnic or other identity, but by our shared values,” he chanted, while many elected officials in the House consulted the screens of their phones.
Elected officials from all parties applauded him, although half of those in the conservative opposition remained seated.
The Leader of the Opposition, Pierre Poilievre, also had the opportunity to deliver a speech in the House on this issue. He repeated that Hamas is a “cult of death”, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of these attacks targeting innocent Israeli civilians.
However, he alluded to the crisis plaguing the Palestinian side, arguing that “all life, Palestinian or Israeli, is precious and of equal value. We must all avoid the suffering of innocent people.”
The leader of the Bloc Québécois reiterated his support for Israel. New Democratic Party MP Heather McPherson broke down in tears as she raised testimonies from civilians facing the horror in Gaza.
According to the latest estimates, the conflict has left at least 1,400 dead in Israel and at least 2,750 in the Gaza Strip in nine days. At least five Canadians lost their lives in the initial Hamas attack. Three are still missing, and could be among the 199 hostages still held, according to Israel.
Canada had evacuated around 1,200 of its nationals from Israel on Monday, in around ten military flights. 21 Canadians also left the West Bank by bus to Jordan.
With Agence France-Presse