Saskatoon mayor joins calls for ceasefire in Israel

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie says what is happening in Gaza is unbearable.

Clark took to social media Monday to express his dismay over the war that began on Oct. 7 when Hamas, a Canadian-designated terrorist organization, launched a deadly offensive in Israel.

“Far too many innocent lives have been lost already on all sides,” Clark stated on his Facebook page.

“I join with other voices supporting Canada and the International community to do everything possible to bring about a humanitarian cease-fire, to secure the release of all hostages and get humanitarian aid to families in desperate need.”

Clark said the impacts of the war are being felt in Saskatoon. He said he’s heard from people who are feeling vulnerable through the rise of anti-Semitic and Islamophobic attacks on schools, synagogues, mosques across North America.

“Now is a time to find ways to support one another in our neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools and stand together against Islamophobia and anti-Semitism.”

According to Ottawa, 356 Canadians and their relatives have made it out of Gaza so far.

Vivian Silver is the latest Canadian to die in the war. Family of the Winnipeg born peacekeeper initially thought she was taken hostage when Hamas militants attacked her home in southern Israel, but authorities say she was killed in the initial attacks.