WATCH: Hamas sympathizers occupy Foreign Affairs Minister Joly’s office

Pro-Palestine activists took over the office of Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly on Friday morning, chanting, “You can run, but you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide.”

The protesters are referring to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which intensified on October 7, 2023, when the terrorist group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel during a period of relative calm. Israel responded with a large-scale military operation in Gaza, and the decades-long conflict was reignited.

Hamas has been widely accused of using Gazans as human shields, embedding military assets in civilian areas and constructing infrastructure beneath public buildings such as hospitals.

Israel, when conducting strikes on Hamas — which Canada classifies as a terrorist organization — often issues warnings to residents in targeted areas. Nevertheless, the bombardments have resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement.

Pro-Palestinian groups therefore accuse Israel of committing genocide and hold frequent demonstrations urging governments, including Canada’s, to withdraw support for Israel.

At Liberal leader Mark Carney’s rally on Tuesday night, a Hamas sympathizer shouted, “Mr. Carney, do you know there is a genocide in Gaza?”

“Thank you. I know,” replied Carney.

The Liberals and the NDP support a “two-state solution” — advocating for an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel and pushing for long-term ceasefires or negotiated peace.

The Conservatives, meanwhile, have voiced stronger support for Israel’s right to defend itself and have been more critical of Hamas and other terrorist groups.

However, Hamas’s doctrine dictates that all Jews must be destroyed and the land be taken over by Muslims. The widespread pro-Palestine protesting against Liberal politicians further highlights that even having a two-state compromise isn’t enough.