By Diyar Guldogan
WASHIGNTON (AA) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza in a phone call Tuesday with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
"Prime Minister Trudeau stressed the importance of ensuring safe and unimpeded access to life-saving humanitarian aid for civilians.
"He called for further humanitarian pauses and expressed support for urgent international efforts toward a sustainable cease-fire," the Canadian Prime Ministry said in a statement.
Underscoring Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law against the Palestinian group Hamas, Trudeau called for the "immediate and unconditional" release of all remaining hostages.
"The Prime Minister also underscored that this cannot be one-sided and that Hamas must stop using civilians as human shields, lay down its arms, and can play no role in the future governance of Gaza," the statement said.
Trudeau reaffirmed the importance of renewing efforts toward a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine to secure lasting peace in the region.
Israel has bombarded the Gaza Strip from the air and land, imposed a siege and mounted a ground offensive in retaliation for a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.
At least 18,412 Palestinians have been killed and 50,100 injured in the Israeli onslaught since then, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
The Israeli death toll in the Hamas attack stands at 1,200, while around 139 hostages remain in captivity, according to official figures.