Canada Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Israel

Israeli rescue teams evacuate a wounded person by helicopter near the city of Sderot on Oct. 7, 2023. (Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images)

Canada has joined a number of other countries in condemning the unprecedented terrorist attacks launched against Israel on the early morning of Oct. 7.

“Canada strongly condemns the current terrorist attacks against Israel. These acts of violence are completely unacceptable,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement on social media on Oct. 7.

“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.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly also issued a statement condemning the attacks.

“Canada unequivocally condemns the multi-front terror attack against Israeli citizens by Hamas,” Ms. Joly said on social media on Oct. 7.

“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.”

Israel declared a state of war and responded with air strikes on Gaza on Oct. 7 after terrorists fired thousands of rockets and infiltrated Israeli border areas, attacking homes and civilians.

Hamas has claimed responsibility for launching the attacks from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that terrorists had infiltrated from the sea, the air, and the ground, and that about 2,500 rockets had been fired toward Israel.

The IDF told civilians near Gaza to remain in shelters and those in southern and central areas to stay close to shelters. Local media and footage shared on social media show pedestrians and car passengers shot dead by terrorists in Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip.

As of the morning of Oct. 7, Israeli officials said at least 70 people were killed and hundreds wounded in the attacks. Terrorists also took an unknown number of Israeli soldiers and civilians into Gaza with them, which is an enormously sensitive issue for Israel.

Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also denounced the attacks in social media posts on Oct. 7.

“I unequivocally condemn the invasion of Israel by Hamas terrorists and the sadistic violence they have subsequently carried out against innocent civilians,” Mr. Poilievre said.  “Israel has the right to defend itself against these attacks and respond against the attackers. Canadians pledge their solidarity with all the victims.”

Mr. Singh condemned the targeting of civilians and said hostages must be released.

“I strongly condemn these horrifying attacks by Hamas on Israel,” Mr. Singh said. “We fear what the coming days will bring. Terrorism and violence solve nothing.”

Mimi Nguyen Ly and The Associated Press contributed to this report.