Canada, allies have ‘increasing concern’ over Israel’s actions: Trudeau

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) – Israel’s refusal to agree to a cease-fire has Canada and its allies “increasingly concerned” that Tel Aviv is damaging chances for a long-term peace, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said.

In the long run, it may even erode support for Israel, Trudeau said in a year-end interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), released on Thursday.

"The voices from Israel's strongest friends, like Canada, like Australia, especially like the United States are becoming increasingly concerned that the short-term actions being taken by Israel are actually putting at risk the long-term safety and even support for a Jewish state into the future," he said.

Trudeau’s words were similar to those made by US President Joe Biden, who warned last week that Israel is “starting to lose that (allies) support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place.”

The casualties since Hamas hit Israel with a surprise attack on Oct. 7 are appalling.

The Palestinian Health Ministry, run by Hamas, said nearly 20,000 Palestinians have died and 1.9 million displaced through Israeli land and air assaults.

Canada joined other nations earlier in December and voted for a UN non-binding resolution calling for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire. "

Canada’s call for the cease-fire is a change in policy, since it normally votes in support of Israel.

"We've changed how we've articulated our position. But the position itself hasn't changed," Trudeau said. "We've always said that Israel has a right to defend itself in accordance with international law. We have always called for the protection of civilians."

During the interview, Trudeau also repeated Canada’s backing for a two-state solution.