NDP Chief Jagmeet Singh is asking for an pressing assembly with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to debate prospects for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“I’m asking for an pressing assembly between us to debate how we are able to work collectively to finish the bloodshed with a ceasefire, get Canadians out of the area, make sure the secure return of all hostages, and demand that worldwide legislation be revered,” Singh says in a letter to the PM.
The letter condemns the Hamas assaults on hundreds of Israeli civilians. Singh’s letter states the celebration can be alarmed by the struggling of Palestinians “on a scale we’ve by no means seen earlier than because of the siege of Gaza.”
There was no rapid response from Trudeau’s workplace to Singh’s request.
Singh’s letter follows one from greater than 30 MPs — together with Liberal caucus members — who’re calling on the prime minister to advocate for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“Canada has lengthy been a voice for peace. The longer this battle goes on, the extra harmless civilians pays with their lives. We demand that Canada be a part of the rising worldwide name for an instantaneous ceasefire. Canada should act earlier than extra harmless youngsters are killed,” says the letter, signed by 33 MPs.
The signatories embody former cupboard minister Omar Alghabra and 6 present parliamentary secretaries. Eight NDP MPs, together with Home Chief Peter Julian, and each Inexperienced Get together MPs added their names to the record.
A few of the MPs who signed the letter mentioned supporting a ceasefire is appropriate with supporting Israel’s proper to defend itself.
Singh’s letter on Monday cited the MPs’ letter.
“They (Canadian MPs) add their voice to that of the NDP, which has been calling for a ceasefire and the discharge of the hostages for over every week now,” Singh mentioned.
WATCH | Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces rising calls to help a ceasefire
Featured VideoDozens of parliamentarians, most from Trudeau’s caucus, have written a letter urging the prime minister to push for an instantaneous ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. That message was echoed throughout a go to to a Toronto mosque Friday the place Trudeau was even booed by some.
Israeli plane struck southern Lebanon in a single day and Israeli troops fought Palestinians within the occupied West Financial institution, residents mentioned.
Bombardments proceed within the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Israel has amassed tanks and troops close to Gaza’s border for a deliberate floor invasion.
Hamas’s Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel killed 1,400 individuals, together with a number of Canadians; roughly 212 had been taken into Gaza as hostages. Well being authorities in Gaza mentioned not less than 5,087 individuals have been killed and over 15,200 injured in Israel’s two-week bombardment, which started after the assault.
Throughout a briefing with reporters from the United Arab Emirates, Overseas Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly was requested about Singh’s letter and requires a ceasefire.
Joly didn’t handle the query however mentioned Canada is sending a transparent name for de-escalation, peace and stability. She additionally spoke of Israel’s want to guard its residents whereas abiding by worldwide legislation.
“Israel has a proper to exist. Israel additionally has a proper to defend itself, in line with worldwide legislation. And so we have been involved with the safety of civilians,” she mentioned.
