Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in an interview broadcast today that close friends of Israel are concerned that its military campaign in Gaza threatens to jeopardize Israel's long-term security. His comments represent the latest expression of concern from allies regarding the rising death toll among Gaza's population, with local health authorities reporting nearly 20,000 fatalities. Israeli airstrikes continued to bombard the Palestinian coastal enclave today.
Trudeau has consistently stated that Israel has the right to defend itself following the incursion by Hamas militants into Israel on October 7. However, as civilian casualties from Israel's aggressive airstrikes and ground invasion have increased, Trudeau has gradually intensified his tone. He told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that Israel's closest friends "are increasingly concerned that... the short-term actions being taken by Israel are endangering the long-term security of the Jewish state and its support in the future."
Last week, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand supported urgent international efforts for a "sustainable ceasefire" in Gaza, reflecting their fears in coordination with each other shortly after the United States warned Israel about waning international support. Trudeau noted, "Israel has the right to defend itself, but it must do so in ways that are careful regarding civilians."
He called for humanitarian aid to be sent to the besieged Gaza Strip and emphasized the importance of combating anti-Semitism both in Canada and abroad. Toronto police reported a significant increase in anti-Semitic and anti-Islamic hate crimes in Canada's largest city since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict.
