The escalating conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip is more likely to intensify before it subsides, according to Melanie Joly, Canada’s foreign affairs minister. She shared this alarming perspective during her discussion with CTV’s Power Play, after being in contact with her counterparts in Israel, the Gaza Strip, and surrounding nations, as she spearheaded efforts to minimize the growing tension. The crisis, tragically, has already claimed a death toll of approximately 1,600 individuals from both sides.
Acute news of a Canadian casualty and three others unaccounted for also came to light during these troubling times. Joly expressed deep empathy for the victims of the multi-pronged terrorist attack on Israel, saying, “My thoughts and my heart are with those who are impacted by this extremely unsettling situation.”
Communication lines have been established with the families of those concerned, confirmed Joly. On the preceding Sunday, Global Affairs Canada had acknowledged reports of a Canadian death and a couple of citizens reported missing.
Hamas militants caught Israel off guard with an unexpected assault, targeting numerous border settlements and a music festival, causing several hundred casualties. In response, Israel has intensified airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, denying the area of food, water, energy resources and other essential supplies.
The death toll, according to various media channels and local authorities, is staggeringly high, with approximately 900 deaths reported in Israel, while over 680 losses have been accounted for in Gaza. Thousands have been injured on both ends. Militants in Gaza, including Hamas, claim to have taken more than 130 Israeli soldiers and civilians captive.
When queried over the possible involvement of Iran in the Hamas attack on Israel, as suggested by Canada’s ambassador to the UN, Bob Rae, Joly affirmed her unwillingness to speculate on such matters. Her priority, she said, was diplomacy to ensure the conflict doesn’t escalate region-wide.
Joly admitted Canada’s efforts towards de-escalation would likely face significant challenges. She spoke of her conversation with her Israeli counterpart, recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist attacks. However, she insisted on adherence to international law, advocating for the release of hostages and protection of civilians.
Piled-up tragedies in the region over the last few days have surpassed the death toll of Israel’s 1973 war with Egypt and Syria, popularly known as the Yom Kippur War. The militant incursion by Hamas saw gunmen open fire at a music festival, leading to an estimated 260 casualties and potentially marking the worst civilian massacre in Israeli history.
In response to the unfurling violence, Israel has announced a “complete siege” of Gaza, magnifying the hardships for the nearly 2.3 million inhabitants, almost half of whom are children, according to UNICEF. As Israeli tanks gather close to the Gaza fence to thwart further attacks, the anticipation of a possible ground assault is stirring, reminiscent of 2014.
Hamas has retorted with an ominous ultimatum to execute captive Israelis, should any civilians in Gaza be targeted without prior notice. Meanwhile, Canadian officials in Ottawa have expressed condemnation for the Hamas attack, at a solidarity event for Israel, with the Prime Minister and the conservative leader echoing sentiments of distaste towards the militant group.
Navigating this tension, Joly shares her two-fold priority of supporting Canadians affected and striving for de-escalation in association with regional partners. Through her dialogues with her counterparts in Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the Palestinian Authority, and U.S. officials, she underscores the importance of diplomacy in safeguarding the region from broader conflict.
While there are no plans to evacuate Canadians from the conflict zone en masse, Joly assures of utmost priority in handling any calls for aid from stranded citizens. Despite the intensifying crisis, the need for unified global efforts is more explicit than ever to prevent further escalation of the desperate situation.
