MP Housefather condemns Montreal rally in support of slain Hamas leader
MONTREAL—Liberal MP Anthony Housefather expressed concerns about the recent rally in Montreal commemorating the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Hanniyeh, stating that the event was not peaceful due to a speech that glorified Palestinian resistance.
“Anyone claiming these demonstrations are peaceful should hear the audience cheering a speaker advocating for the destruction of Israel and its supporters worldwide, while praising terrorism and violence,” Housefather stated on social media.
Housefather, a Jewish MP representing Mount Royal in Montreal, had previously condemned the protest theme and reached out to Public Safety Canada to ensure adequate support for Montreal police.
The rally, titled a “Night of Rage,” took place in downtown Montreal on August 3 to honor Haniyeh’s death in Tehran on July 31.
“Honor his last demand,” reads a poster for the event.
Iran and its proxies have accused Israel of assassinating Haniyeh, with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claiming he was killed by a short-range projectile with a 7-kilogram warhead.
Related Stories
While Israel has not confirmed its involvement in Haniyeh’s death, it has taken credit for recent attacks targeting Iranian proxies. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the elimination of top Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif in Gaza and the killing of top Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr near Beirut.
Montreal police and the RCMP had no immediate comments on the rally. Canadian cities have witnessed ongoing pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests following tensions in Gaza.
The Canadian government has urged for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict, calling the situation in Gaza “catastrophic.” Haniyeh’s death occurred during ceasefire talks.
Israel emphasizes the need to eliminate Hamas to prevent future attacks like those in the past.
