Ottawa mayor condemns Hamas attack in Israel; police monitoring pro-Palestine protest

Mark Sutcliffe posted to social media to say he's spoken with leaders on Ottawa's Jewish community to offer support and express his "shock and condemnation" of the attack.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has spoken out against the attacks by Hamas in Israel this weekend.

The mayor posted to social media to say he's spoken with leaders on Ottawa's Jewish community to offer support and express his "shock and condemnation" of the attack.

"Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism. On behalf of all Ottawa residents, I stand in solidarity with Ottawa's Jewish community," Sutcliffe said.

He reiterated that Ottawa police have stepped up patrols around Jewish institutions and places of worship. Police are also increasing their presence around mosques.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and support members of the community as the situation evolves. You are all in my thoughts," Sutcliffe said.

Police announced their intention to increase patrols around synagogues and mosques on Saturday in the wake of the attack, which came the morning of Simchat Torah, a Jewish holiday. Hundreds of people have been killed in the fighting and Hamas took hostages back to Gaza.

Israel officially declared war on Sunday.