MPs in the House of Commons engaged in a debate following comments made by NDP leader Jagmeet Singh regarding the situation between Israel and Hamas. Singh had stated that the “seeds of genocide” were being planted by Israel’s military. He called for a ceasefire to stop the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza and expressed concern about the dehumanization of the Palestinian population. Singh emphasized the impact of war on children.
Liberal MP Ben Carr responded to Singh’s comments, expressing confusion and questioning whether Singh was suggesting that Israel was committing or on the verge of committing genocide. Carr asked if Singh believed in Israel’s right to self-defense and if Israel’s current response could be characterized as revenge.
Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman asked Singh to clarify his remarks, highlighting his use of words such as “revenge,” “genocide,” and “collective punishment.” She pressed Singh to answer whether he believed Israel was committing or about to commit genocide.
Singh focused on the plight of innocent people in Gaza and emphasized the dire conditions they faced. He expressed worry about the lack of electricity, clean water, food, and resources needed for medical facilities. Singh’s remarks were met with concern from Liberal MP Anthony Housefather, who believed Singh’s comments accused Israel of being on the brink of committing genocide.
The discussion further intensified as MPs debated the actions and intentions of Hamas, the terrorist organization involved in the conflict. Conservative MP Garnett Genuis rejected the characterization of any military response as vengeful, emphasizing the need to protect and survive. Conservative MP Marty Morants called for moral clarity and questioned the feasibility of de-escalation after the loss of innocent lives.
MPs from various parties, including Quebec Conservative MP Pierre Paul-Hus and Bloc Quebecois MP René Villemure, highlighted the terrorist nature of Hamas and its goal of annihilating Israel. They emphasized the importance of acknowledging the truth and condemning acts of terrorism and war crimes.