Death toll rises in conflict with Israel and Hamas militants

Tensions continue to run high as the war between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip continues to claim lives.

Officials say that at least 126 people have been killed in Gaza since Monday. The casualties include 31 children and 20 women. Almost 1,000 people have been injured.

Friday was the fifth night that rockets were fired. Isreal said over 2,000 rockets had been fired from Gaza into Israel. Most of which were intercepted by missile defense systems.

Diplomatic efforts are underway to end the violence.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marc Garneau said in part, “Canada urges all parties to take immediate steps to end the violence, de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, and uphold international law. We stand firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity, without fear, and with their human rights respected."