“Shame On You”: Canadian PM Trudeau Faces Backlash Over Israel-Hamas Response During Mosque Visit
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau received criticism during his recent visit to a mosque in Toronto due to his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. A video capturing the encounter with the displeased crowd has circulated widely on social media platforms.
As reported by The Toronto Sun, Trudeau’s visit to a mosque in the Etobicoke area was not pre-announced by his office and did not appear on his public itinerary as of Friday evening. However, later, his office confirmed the visit to the International Muslims Organization of Toronto, stating it was to express support for those affected in the Muslim community by the events in the Middle East.
A video was posted on X, a social media platform, depicting a moment during the visit where some attendees in the mosque expressed discontent, urging a facilitator not to allow Trudeau to speak at the podium. The video also shows Trudeau addressing the gathered individuals, thanking them for letting him “pray alongside you in this difficult time.”
Additionally, the video showed protesters outside the mosque urging the Prime Minister to advocate for a ceasefire in the conflict.
Regarding the conflict, Toronto-area Liberal MP Salma Zahid, chair of the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Group, wrote a letter to the Canadian PM outlining demands on behalf of 33 MPs. The letter called for Canada to support an immediate ceasefire, facilitate the opening of a humanitarian corridor, and uphold international law. It was endorsed by 23 backbench Liberal MPs, eight NDP MPs, and both Green Party MPs.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated as Israel retaliated with airstrikes and restricted access to water, food, and electricity in the Palestinian territory. The United Nations asserts that this action violates international humanitarian law.
