Trudeau demands Hamas release all hostages and ‘have no future in the governance of Gaza’

“The murder of six Israeli hostages by Hamas terrorists in Gaza is devastating and enraging. Canada stands with the victims’ families in your grief,” he posted.

“Hamas must release all hostages, lay down its arms, and have no future in the governance of Gaza. Leaders must reach a deal to bring the rest of the hostages home and end the violence.”

Trudeau has been criticized by both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine factions over his often ambiguous position on the Gaza war. Canada notably supported the UN resolution for a ceasefire in the war last December.

Last week, more than 50 political staffers staged a mutiny against the Liberal Party over Trudeau’s stance on the war. The ministerial employees are refusing to support “partisan” activity just as Liberals are facing another tight byelection, this time in Montreal, which has a large Jewish population

The staffers are largely Arab or Muslim and have signed a letter saying they refuse to participate in Liberal efforts to retain the seat of LaSalle-Emard-Verdun, in Montreal, once held by former Justice Minister David Lametti. Trudeau suffered a byelection loss this summer to the Conservatives in the once-safe seat of Toronto-St.Paul.

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly also offered her “deepest condolences” to the victims of the hostages, posting on X: “Canada unequivocally condemns the murder of 6 innocent Israeli hostages by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. I offer my deepest condolences to their families & loved ones. Hamas must release all the hostages, and we continue to call for an immediate ceasefire.”

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland finally condemned a pro-Hamas April 2024 rally in Ottawa after first refusing to comment about it. Democratic vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz (D-MI) walked away Sunday from questions about the murder of the hostages