Canadian prime minister urges end to 'suffering' on 1st anniversary of Gaza genocide

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called for an end to the "suffering" of civilians on the first anniversary of the ongoing genocide in Gaza by Israel.

"The scale of civilian casualties since October 7 is heartbreaking and unacceptable, and all actors must comply with international law," said Trudeau in a statement.

"The suffering must end, and we must return to the path toward lasting peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, Lebanese, and others across the region," he said.

The prime minister also expressed Canada's commitment "to working toward an irreversible path to achieving a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognized borders."

Trudeau also expressed solidarity with those affected by the Hamas attacks, saying, "Our thoughts go to all Israelis and Jewish people, whose lives have been shaken by this unthinkable tragedy."

Pledging continued support for the Jewish community and Israel, Trudeau said "we will always defend Israel’s right to exist in peace and security."

Nearly 42,000 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 97,100 others injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of the territory amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.

Mediation efforts led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to reach a Gaza cease-fire and prisoner swap agreement between Israel and Hamas have failed over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to halt the war.

Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.