Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling for a ceasefire between Israel and militants in the Gaza Strip today and is promising to work with allies to "de-escalate the situation" in the region. The prime minister issued the call as Israel bombarded Gaza with airstrikes and Palestinian militants resumed cross-border rocket fire today following a brief overnight lull. Watch: Trudeau calls for ceasefire as violence between Israel and Gaza heats up:Trudeau says Canada is calling for a ceasefire to end the violence in the Middle East Politics News 0:55 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada is calling for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict between Hamas and Israel. "Canada's Conservatives have been clear that Israel is one of Canada's closest allies and we support Israel's right to defend itself," Chong's office said in a statement. Despite that support, Canada urged Israel to demonstrate restraint and to "act in accordance with international law."

Source: CBC News May 18, 2021 19:10 UTC