NDP leader wants meeting with Trudeau to discuss calls for Israel-Hamas ceasefire
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is calling for an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss prospects for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has requested an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss the possibility of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Singh's letter criticizes Hamas attacks on thousands of Israeli civilians and expresses concern over the suffering of Palestinians due to the siege of Gaza. This follows a letter from over 30 MPs advocating for a ceasefire, including Liberal caucus members. The MPs believe that supporting a ceasefire is compatible with supporting Israel's right to defend itself. No immediate reaction was received from Trudeau's office. The conflict in the Gaza Strip has resulted in at least 5,087 deaths and over 15,200 injuries in two-week bombardment.
Published : 2 years ago by David Thurton in Politics
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is calling for an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss prospects for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
"I am asking for an urgent meeting between us to discuss how we can work together to end the bloodshed with a ceasefire, get Canadians out of the region, ensure the safe return of all hostages, and insist that international law be respected," Singh says in a letter to the PM.
The letter condemns the Hamas attacks on thousands of Israeli civilians. Singh's letter states the party is also alarmed by the suffering of Palestinians "on a scale we have never seen before as a result of the siege of Gaza."
There was no immediate reaction from Trudeau's office to Singh's request.
Singh's letter follows one from more than 30 MPs — including Liberal caucus members — who are to advocate for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
"Canada has long been a voice for peace. The longer this conflict goes on, the more innocent civilians will pay with their lives. We demand that Canada join the growing international call for an immediate ceasefire. Canada must act before more innocent children are killed," says the letter, signed by 33 MPs.
The signatories include former cabinet minister Omar Alghabra and six current parliamentary secretaries. Eight NDP MPs, including House Leader Peter Julian, and both Green Party MPs added their names to the list.
Some of the MPs who signed the letter said supporting a ceasefire is compatible with supporting Israel's right to defend itself.
"They (Canadian MPs) add their voice to that of the NDP, which has been calling for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages for over a week now," Singh said.
Israeli aircraft struck southern Lebanon overnight and Israeli troops fought Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, residents said.
Bombardments continue in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Israel has amassed tanks and troops near Gaza's border for a planned ground invasion.
Hamas's Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel killed 1,400 people, including several Canadians; roughly 212 were taken into Gaza as hostages. Health authorities in Gaza said at least 5,087 people have been killed and over 15,200 injured in Israel's two-week bombardment, which began after the attack.
Topics: Canada, Israel, Justin Trudeau