Carney salutes Trump’s “decisive leadership” in Middle East peace deal
Carney lauded U.S. President Donald Trump’s decisive leadership in brokering a historic peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, hailing it as a pivotal breakthrough after years of conflict in Gaza.
Prime Minister Mark Carney lauded U.S. President Donald Trump’s decisive leadership in brokering a historic peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, hailing it as a pivotal breakthrough after years of conflict in Gaza.
“It is a day for optimism,” Carney told reporters Thursday ahead of a cabinet meeting in Ottawa. “I want to salute, of course, President Trump, whose decisive leadership has made this possible, Mr. Kushner, Mr. Whitkoff, the Qataris, the Egyptians, [and] Turkey, who have been essential to getting to this moment.”
Carney said the next 48 hours would be crucial and urged Hamas to “follow through” on the release of all remaining hostages, including those who died in captivity. “We are encouraged,” he said, “but it’s the first phase, and there’s more to come.”
His comments followed a statement from Trump on Wednesday confirming that Israel and Hamas had both “signed off on the first phase” of a U.S.-brokered peace plan. The agreement, Trump said, will see all hostages released and Israeli forces withdraw to “an agreed upon line” as part of “the first steps toward a strong, durable, and everlasting peace.”
“This is a great day for the Arab and Muslim world, Israel, all surrounding nations, and the United States of America,” Trump said. “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
Carney’s written statement Wednesday congratulated Trump “for his essential leadership” and thanked Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye for their mediation efforts. “After years of intense suffering, peace finally feels attainable,” he said. “Canada calls on all parties to swiftly implement all agreed terms and to work towards a just and lasting peace.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also commended the U.S.-brokered deal, calling it a “monumental achievement toward generational peace.”
“Congratulations to President Trump on negotiating a peaceful end to the Israel-Hamas war,” Poilievre said in a statement Wednesday. “We look forward to and pray for the return of all hostages and the end of this bloodshed so all can thrive in a lasting peace.”
The White House announced the first phase of the agreement will be implemented immediately, with coordination between Israel, Egypt and Qatar.
Carney said Canada is supporting the process through humanitarian aid and “other mechanisms” discussed with Trump during his visit to Washington earlier this week.
“The President and I discussed how Canada can support this process,” Carney said. “We are supporting with humanitarian aid. There are other mechanisms we can use to support it.”
Canada has pledged to continue providing foreign aid to Gaza.