Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday night.
Trudeau “expressed Canada’s support for Israel and its right to defend itself in accordance with international law, in the face of Hamas’ brutal attacks,” said a statement from the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office.
“The two leaders agreed on the need for the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza. The two leaders also discussed ongoing efforts to get foreign citizens out of Gaza and the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Netanyahu for Israel’s assurances that Canadians in Gaza will be able to leave in the coming days,” the statement added.
It also said that Trudeau “reaffirmed the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and making every effort to protect Palestinian civilians. He also highlighted his deep concerns with the dire humanitarian crisis, and reiterated Canada’s position on the immediate need to create conditions for urgent and necessary humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.”
“The two leaders denounced Hamas’ continued terror and discussed the risk of potential escalation in the region. Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Canada’s enduring support for a two-state solution and for the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, dignity, and security.”
“Noting that Canada stands against all forms of hate, the Prime Minister recognized the disturbing rise of antisemitism around the world, including in Canada, and the impact of the October 7 attack on Canada’s Jewish community,” the statement said.
“Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed the strong relationship between Israel and Canada and agreed to remain in contact as the situation develops,” it concluded.
Trudeau previously spoke to Netanyahu at the beginning of October, a day after Hamas’ murderous attack on Israel, telling Netanyahu that he “unequivocally condemned Hamas’ large-scale attacks against Israel and expressed his deep condolences to Prime Minister Netanyahu for the hundreds of lives lost.”
The Canadian Prime Minister was also a signatory to a joint statement by the leaders of several countries who expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense, while reiterating the need to protect civilians.