Canada heightens security at religious sites as it condemns Hamas attack on Israel and synagogues receive increased protection in response.

In the wake of the unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel, Canadian authorities have taken steps to bolster security at religious sites, particularly synagogues, in response to potential threats. 

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Who is Mustafa Rahmanzadeh?

One of the security measures taken was to deploy officer Mustafa Rahmanzadeh at one of the synagogues in Toronto. He is, however, reportedly pro-Palestine. As a result, residents took to Twitter to request for his removal from the post. 

The assault, characterized as one of the deadliest in Israel in recent years, prompted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to strongly denounce the violence and express support for Israel’s right to self-defense. 

The coordinated attack by Hamas included thousands of rockets fired into Israel, along with attempts by infiltrators to breach the heavily fortified Israeli border via air, land, and sea. The resulting casualties on both sides have been substantial, with reports of over 200 deaths and over a thousand injuries in Israel, and around 198 fatalities and 1,610 injuries in the Palestinian territories, primarily Gaza.

The situation has sent shockwaves throughout Canada, leading to increased vigilance in safeguarding religious sites, including mosques and synagogues. Ottawa police have deployed additional resources to protect areas of religious significance, and Toronto’s police chief, Myron Demkiw, has assured residents of the city that the police force is enhancing its presence to ensure the safety of the community.

Air Canada, in response to the situation in Israel, has temporarily suspended flights to Tel Aviv. They are closely monitoring developments and have put policies in place to allow passengers to make changes to their travel plans.

The escalating violence has not only garnered condemnation from Canada but also from Western nations, including the United States, who reiterated their support for Israel. Saudi Arabia, while urging restraint from both parties, warned of the dangers arising from the ongoing occupation and the deprivation of legitimate rights for the Palestinian people.

In this critical moment, the Canadian government has issued travel advisories, urging Canadians to exercise caution in Israel and avoid travel to the Gaza Strip and areas near the country’s borders with Syria, Egypt, and Lebanon.

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The situation remains tense, and there is a global call for a ceasefire and a negotiated resolution to end the violence that has left both Israelis and Palestinians in a state of distress.

Canadian officials are diligently monitoring the situation and ensuring the safety of their citizens while closely following the developments in the Middle East.