Gantz speaks with Trudeau, warns against Canadian recognition of Palestinian state

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed concern around Israel’s planned offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah in a call with war cabinet member Benny Gantz, Trudeau’s office says in a statement.

“The Prime Minister shared his concern around Israel’s planned offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and the severe humanitarian implications for all civilians taking refuge in the area,” Trudeau’s office says in a statement.

“He underscored the need to increase the volume of life-saving humanitarian aid for civilians and to ensure aid reaches all those in need, safely and without delay.”

In comments on X, formerly Twitter, Gantz says he thanked Trudeau “for his personal commitment to Israel’s security”

“In light of the upcoming vote in Canada’s parliament calling for the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, I expressed that unilateral recognition, particularly following the 7th of October, is counter-productive to the mutual goal of long-term regional security and stability, and would ultimately reward terrorism,” Gantz says.

He adds that he stressed to Trudeau “that for the sake of the region, any unilateral actions should be avoided.”