Police amp up presence at places of worship in Waterloo Region in light of Hamas-Israel conflict

Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) said in a statement that they'll be amping up the presence of police at "faith-based locations and organizations" in the region as the Hamas-Israel conflict intensifies in the Middle East. 

"Our service will continue to actively support all members of the Waterloo Region community during these difficult times," their statement read, which was posted on X.com (formerly Twitter). 

Tensions in and around Gaza have intensified following a deadly civilian attack in Israel carried out by Hamas this past weekend which killed hundreds of Israelis. 

Israel retaliated with attacks into Gaza, while cutting off access to things like fuel and water. More than 2,000 people have lost their lives on both sides due to the conflict.

Presence at demonstration

In the same statement, WRPS said that on Oct. 10, officers would attend a demonstration planned in Waterloo. They didn't name the demonstration, but a pro-Palestinian protest took place at Waterloo Public Square on Tuesday. 

"We have a significant operational plan and resources in place to effectively manage crowds, keep the peace, and ensure public safety," the WRPS statement read.

"While free speech and peaceful assembly are universal rights, we want to assure the public that any form of intimidation, harassment, incitement of hate, or hate-motivated behaviour will not be tolerated."

There have been pro-Palestinian protests organized across the country, in cities like Vancouver and Toronto which drew condemnation from some political leaders. 

"The glorification of violence is never acceptable in Canada — by any group or in any situation," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on X.com. 

"I strongly condemn the demonstrations that have taken place, and are taking place, across the country in support of Hamas' attacks on Israel. Let's stand united against acts of terror."

Fear for family on both sides

Some in the region are worried for loved ones in the Middle East who are caught up in the conflict. Shatha Mahmoud has aunts and cousins in Gaza. 

"Thankfully up until now, my last hearing of my family is that they are safe, but that has not been the case always and I honestly don't know how to express how I feel when I talk about my family in Gaza," she told CBC News.

"I've been sitting next to the phone for the past just three days."

Simon Adler of Kitchener is also concerned about his brother who is living in Israel. He said that his brother's daily life has changed since the conflict.

"They try to keep on with life, running to and from the shelters, trying to work, trying to maintain a home life," he said. "There is obviously a huge, huge popular insistence that something be done once and for all."

Adler has a daughter living in Israel too, but she was out of the country when the conflict began.