NDP leader wants meeting with Trudeau to discuss calls for Israel-Hamas ceasefire

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is calling for an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss prospects for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

"I am asking for an urgent meeting between us to discuss how we can work together to end the bloodshed with a ceasefire, get Canadians out of the region, ensure the safe return of all hostages, and insist that international law be respected," Singh said in a letter to the PM.

The letter condemns the Hamas attacks on thousands of Israeli civilians. Singh's letter states the party is also alarmed by the suffering of Palestinians "on a scale we have never seen before as a result of the siege of Gaza."

A spokesperson from the Prime Minister's Office didn't say if Singh would be granted a meeting.

"We're ensuring all parties have access to all the necessary information," the spokesperson said in a statement.

Singh's letter follows one from more than 30 MPs — including Liberal caucus members — who are calling on the prime minister to advocate for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

"Canada has long been a voice for peace. The longer this conflict goes on, the more innocent civilians will pay with their lives. We demand that Canada join the growing international call for an immediate ceasefire. Canada must act before more innocent children are killed," said the letter, signed by 33 MPs.

The signatories include former cabinet minister Omar Alghabra and six current parliamentary secretaries. Eight NDP MPs, including House Leader Peter Julian, and both Green Party MPs added their names to the list.

Some of the MPs who signed the letter said supporting a ceasefire is compatible with supporting Israel's right to defend itself.

Singh's letter on Monday cited the letter from the MPs.

"They (Canadian MPs) add their voice to that of the NDP, which has been calling for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages for over a week now," Singh said.

WATCH | Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces growing calls to support a ceasefire: 

Trudeau facing increasing pressure to call for immediate ceasefire

1 year ago

Duration 1:54

Dozens of parliamentarians, most from Trudeau’s caucus, have written a letter urging the prime minister to push for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. That message was echoed during a visit to a Toronto mosque Friday where Trudeau was even booed by some.

Israeli aircraft struck southern Lebanon overnight and Israeli troops fought Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, residents said.

Bombardments continue in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Israel has amassed tanks and troops near Gaza's border for a planned ground invasion.

Israeli officials have said Hamas's Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel killed 1,400 people, including several Canadians; roughly 212 people were taken into Gaza as hostages. Health authorities in Gaza said at least 5,087 people have been killed and over 15,200 injured in Israel's two-week bombardment, which began after the attack.

During a briefing with reporters from the United Arab Emirates, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly was asked about Singh's letter and calls for a ceasefire.

Joly did not address the question but said Canada is sending a clear call for de-escalation, peace and stability. She also spoke of Israel's need to protect its citizens while abiding by international law.

"Israel has a right to exist. Israel also has a right to defend itself, according to international law. And so we've been concerned with the protection of civilians," she said.