Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper blames Hamas for the heavy loss of civilian life in the Gaza Strip since Operation Protective Edge began on July 8
At least 110 people were killed on Wednesday alone in Gaza, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, as the Palestinian death toll after 23 days soared to 1,360. Israel says hundreds are Hamas and Islamic Jihad gunmen.
Fifty-six Israeli soldiers have died in the fighting so far.
“Obviously, no one likes to see the suffering and loss of life that has occurred,” Harper said in televised remarks.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper (right), meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem, during Harper’s official state visit to Israel and the West Bank, Tuesday, January 21, 2103 (photo credit: Emil Salman/Pool/Flash 90)
“That said, we hold the terrorist organization Hamas responsible for this. They have initiated and continue this conflict, and continue to seek the destruction of the state of Israel.”
Canada’s conservative government has long supported the Jewish state and stressed its recognition of Israel’s right to defend itself.
Israel launched the most recent military operation earlier this month to stop the indiscriminate rocket fire on Israeli cities and destroy the Hamas tunnels that infiltrate into Israeli territory.
— AFP, Times of Israel staff
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