The latest: Canadians mark the anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel

By The Canadian Press on October 7, 2024.

Ceremonies, events and protests are being held across Canada to mark the anniversary of a brutal Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

The Oct. 7, 2023 attack killed about 1,200 people, while about 250 more were taken hostage. About a hundred of them have not returned. It triggered an Israeli counter-offensive in the Hamas-held Gaza Strip that the territory’s health ministry says has left more than 41,000 Palestinians dead. That war is raging on even as hostilities spill into Lebanon and threaten to escalate into a broader regional war.

Here’s the latest on how the anniversary is playing out in Canada. All times are Eastern.

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10:06 a.m.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his thoughts are with all Israelis and Jewish people, and with the Jewish community in Canada.

Trudeau says in a written statement that Hamas is responsible for setting the region down a path of war and violence, and he condemns Hezbollah and Iran for further instability.

He says the scale of civilian casualties in the past year is heart-breaking and unacceptable and all actors must comply with international law.

Trudeau says his government remains committed to working toward a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely with internationally recognized borders.

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9:30 a.m.

Police in Canada’s largest cities are stepping up protections, particularly around Jewish and Muslim places of worship and at events being held to commemorate Oct. 7.

A Toronto police van was parked out front of a Hebrew day school this morning along Bathurst Street in one of the city’s most recognizably Jewish neighbourhoods.

On the corner, a large poster called for the return of hostages.

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9:02 a.m.

Premier Doug Ford is expressing his condolences for those whose loved ones were killed or taken hostage in the Oct. 7 attack.

He says in a written statement that he is vowing to combat antisemitism and hate in the province.

He says his government will stand up against hate wherever it is found and work to foster understanding, unity and respect.