The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:
"Two years ago today, the world witnessed the deadliest attacks on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched heinous attacks against Israeli civilians. Nearly 1,200 people were murdered and over 200 were taken hostage-48 of whom are still being held captive by Hamas. The attacks on October 7th inflicted profound suffering on families and communities around the world, including here at home.
"Canada unequivocally condemns the terrorist organisation Hamas, its acts of terror and the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians. We urge all parties to immediately work to turn Hamas' commitment to releasing all hostages into a reality and to negotiate the terms of peace. Hamas must lay down its arms, follow through with its commitments to transfer power over Gaza and play no role in the future governance of a demilitarised Palestinian state.
"On this day, we remember those who were brutally murdered and taken hostage, including 7 Canadians, and others with close ties to Canada. May their memories be a blessing. Our thoughts are with their families, the survivors and all those who continue to suffer the consequences of this tragedy.
"Over the past two years, Jewish communities have faced a devastating resurgence of antisemitism. Canada condemns antisemitism in all its forms. Earlier this fall, the government introduced new legislation to address the horrifying rise in antisemitism and protect religious and cultural buildings and spaces. Our government is fighting hate so that, together, we can build a country where Jewish people can live their lives safely, openly and freely."
