MPs Spar on Middle East Crisis, Israel’s Right to Self-Defence, During Emergency Debate

People stand on top of the remains of an Iranian missile in the Negev desert near Arad, on October 2, 2024, in the aftermath of an Iranian missile attack on Israel. Israel vowed to make Iran "pay" for firing a barrage of missiles at its territory, with Tehran warning on October 2 it would launch an even bigger attack it is targeted. Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP

An emergency debate was held in the House of Commons to discuss escalating violence in the Middle East, with MPs split on how Israel and Canada should respond.

Divisions have been on display since Hamas conducted its raid into Israel on Oct. 7 last year, with some MPs pushing for a ceasefire and others backing Israel’s military campaign against the organization considered a terrorist entity by Ottawa.