Canada witnessed celebratory rallies late Saturday (October 7) after the Gaza-ruled Hamas militant group launched a surprise attack on Israel that killed more than 200 people and injured thousands.
A video shared by news aggregator Visegrad 24 and published by Rebel News Canada showed people in trucks and cars shouting slogans and carrying a Palestinian flag.
More such videos and pictures of celebrations in other countries like Sweden, Germany, and Turkey are also doing the rounds on social media. Police in the UK have increased security and increased security measures at Jewish religious sites after celebratory incidents were reported in London.
Visegrad 24 reported that such incidents can be seen in many cities in Western Europe and North America, while a Twitter user criticized “Trudeau’s Canada” for “supporting” such “horrific terrorist attacks”. When sharing a video on X, a user named Dr. Eli David said: “Celebrating in Trudeau’s Canada in support of horrific terrorist attacks.
However, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strongly condemned the “terrorist attack against Israel”. He said: “…These acts of violence are completely unacceptable. We stand with Israel and fully support its right to defend itself. Our thoughts are with everyone affected. Civilian lives must be protected.”
However, the Canadian government has yet to respond to reports of people celebrating the Hamas attack. Trudeau was recently heavily criticized by India for “encouraging” pro-Khalistan sentiment in the name of freedom of expression. Diplomatic relations between Canada and India are at an all-time low after Trudeau claimed that Indian government agents were likely involved in the killing of well-known Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.
Visegrád 24 also published videos from celebrations in the German capital Berlin and Malmö, Sweden.
“Hamas supporters gather in the streets of Berlin, Germany to celebrate the attack against Israel,” Visegrad 24 said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Germany, infamous for its historic persecution of Jews as well as anti-Semitism perpetuated by Nazi ideology, has stepped up security measures at Israeli and Jewish institutions. Chancellor Olaf Scholz supported Israel’s right to defend itself against “barbaric attacks” and to “protect its citizens and pursue the invaders”.
“Hamas supporters in Malmö, Sweden use fireworks to celebrate yesterday’s attack on Israel,” X said while sharing the video.
Sweden has said there are no excuses for such “violent attacks”.
Another Twitter user shared a purported video of the celebrations in Istanbul, Turkey, claiming the victory rally was organized by the government. “Last night in #Istanbul, the Turkish government held a victory celebration and rally attended by thousands of #Erdogan supporters celebrating the massacre of Israeli civilians by Hamas. People asked the #Turkish army to send troops to #Israel to help #Hamas terrorists.” Just listen to their slogans,” the user said.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to “promote peace” and refrain from harming civilians. “There is nothing good in (attacks) on civilians,” Erdogan said as all-out war raged around Gaza. “We are ready to do everything to reduce tensions… We call on all actors to promote peace.”
Image Source: AP News
