Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is urgently calling on Hamas to release its hostages, potentially including at least three Canadian citizens. This is the first time Trudeau has addressed the issue in Parliament since the attack on Israel by Hamas fighters on October 7th. The attack resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people and the reported capture of 199 individuals.
Trudeau spoke in French and expressed concern that three Canadians have been reported missing and may be among those held captive by Hamas, an organization that Canada has designated as a terrorist group.
In related news, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed that the first group of Canadians has safely crossed from the West Bank into Jordan amidst the ongoing violence. A total of 21 Canadians, along with 10 individuals from Australia and New Zealand, were able to leave the West Bank by bus. The West Bank is a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and where Israeli settlements have been established.
The Canadian government reports that approximately 300 Canadians and their families are currently seeking a means to escape Gaza. This area has been blockaded by Israel, resulting in limited access to electricity, food, water, and humanitarian aid for its residents.