'Very clear' Iran involved in attacks on Israel, Canada's ambassador to the UN says

Canada's ambassador to the United Nations said there's 'no question in (his) mind' Iran is involved in the attacks on Israel.

Canada's ambassador to the United Nations said there's "no question in (his) mind" Iran is involved in the attacks on Israel.

"That's very clear to me," Bob Rae told CTV's Question Period host Vassy Kapelos in an interview airing Sunday. "And I think it's something we have to understand, none of this stuff is accidental and Iran, of all the countries in the Middle East, does not accept the existence of the State of Israel."

He added Iran "has made it clear that it wants the elimination of the State of Israel. And so that's their objective."

Fighting continued on Sunday in Israel after a surprise attack by Hamas militants on Saturday.

He said in his view there’s “no question Iran is involved, adding: "I don't know how you can come up with another conclusion."

"Intelligence admittedly has failed us in many different ways," Rae said. "But I do think intelligence is pretty clear that the Iranians are very actively engaged in supporting forces outside their country that seek the destruction of Israel. That's not paranoia. That's evidence, and we know that."

This is the deadliest escalation in the region in decades, with many taken hostage by Hamas, including women, children and the elderly. The Associated Press reported Hamas will likely trade hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.