VANCOUVER Police tweeted on Saturday: “The attacks against Israel and the escalation of violence in the Middle East are a great concern to many people in our community. As we work with law enforcement partners and community leaders to ensure everyone’s safety, you may see additional VPD officers patrolling near some places of worship and community centres.”
They added: “There is currently no specific threat to public safety in Vancouver.”
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim tweeted: “The City of Vancouver will always stand with our Jewish community. We unequivocally condemn this act of terrorism by Hamas against Israeli civilians. Our hearts are with all those who have been impacted.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: “Canada strongly condemns the current terrorist attacks against Israel. 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 by this. Civilian life must be protected.”
The RCMP tweeted: “The RCMP is closely monitoring the events in Israel. While we are not aware of any specific threats to Jewish communities in Canada, we are working closely with policing partners, domestically and internationally, to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
U.S. President Joe Biden tweeted: “Today, I spoke with [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] about the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. I offered our support and reiterated my unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. [First Lady Jill Biden] and I express our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.”
U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller, said in a statement: “Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.  The Secretary reiterated the United States’ unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel,  and called on all leadership in the region to condemn them.  The Secretary urged the Palestinian Authority to continue and enhance steps to restore calm and stability in the West Bank.”
ACCORDING to initial international reports, at around 6:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, fired around 2,200 rockets at Israel (Hamas said they fired 5,000 rockets) and sent gunmen into that country.
Hamas military commander Muhammad Al-Deif said that the assault on Israel was a response to attacks on women, the desecration of the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and the ongoing siege of Gaza, according to CNN.
Hamas said it captured Israeli soldiers and Israel said there are hostages and prisoners of war taken by Hamas.
Israel said at least 300 people in Israel were killed in the unprecedented attack and Israeli media reported that at least 1,500 people have been wounded.
Israel launched airstrikes in Gaza. At least 232 Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Saturday, with 1,697 injured, the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza said in a statement, CNN reported later on Saturday.
