May 19, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
“We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. We call on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. This must include engaging with the UN to ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles. We call on Hamas to release immediately the remaining hostages they have so cruelly held since 7 October 2023.
The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law. We condemn the abhorrent language used recently by members of the Israeli Government, threatening that, in their despair at the destruction of Gaza, civilians will start to relocate. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.
Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7. We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.
We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.
We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank. Israel must halt settlements which are illegal and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians. We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.
We strongly support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It is a ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages and a long-term political solution that offer the best hope of ending the agony of the hostages and their families, alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza, ending Hamas’ control of Gaza and achieving a pathway to a two-state solution, consistent with the goals of the 18 June conference in New York co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France. These negotiations need to succeed, and we must all work towards the implementation of a two-state solution, which is the only way to bring long-lasting peace and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve and ensure long-term stability in the region.
We will continue to work with the Palestinian Authority, regional partners, Israel and the United States to finalize consensus on arrangements for Gaza’s future, building on the Arab plan. We affirm the important role of the High-level Two-State Solution Conference at the UN in June in building international consensus around this aim. And we are committed to recognizing a Palestinian state as a contribution to achieving a two-state solution and are prepared to work with others to this end.”
May 18, 2025
Rome, Italy
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, concluded his visit to Rome, Italy, and Vatican City, where he attended the inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, alongside counterparts and delegations from around the world.
Prime Minister Carney met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV following his inaugural Mass. The Prime Minister thanked him for his message of unity, compassion, and peace.
During his visit to Italy, the Prime Minister met with the Italian Prime Minister and President to underscore the strength of the Canada-Italy relationship and efforts to further enhance it. While in Rome, he also met with over a dozen other leaders. Their discussions focused on expanding trade and commercial partnerships, deepening bilateral investment, and addressing immediate global pressures, including around energy security, supply chains, Canada’s support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and the imperative of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Looking ahead to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, next month, the Prime Minister emphasized Canada’s role as a stable, reliable, and innovative partner with a wealth of natural resources and expertise.
In a more dangerous and divided world, Canada will work with its Allies and partners to grow our economies, defend Canadians’ interests, and address the most pressing global challenges.
Associated Links
May 18, 2025
Vatican City
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the prime ministers of Australia, Bulgaria, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Croatia, as well as the presidents of Israel, Ireland, Paraguay, and Nigeria, on the margins of the inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
The Prime Minister underscored his new government’s mandate to diversify trade, build a stronger economy, and deepen commercial ties with partners. To that end, he welcomed partnership on shared priorities.
During his conversation with the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Carney reiterated the need for Hamas to release all hostages and stressed the imperative of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He called for urgent, life-saving humanitarian aid to reach civilians and affirmed Canada’s support for a two-state solution. The Prime Minister and the President agreed that Hamas must lay down its weapons and have no future role in the governance of Gaza.
May 18, 2025
Vatican City
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Cindy H. McCain, on the margins of the inaugural Mass of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s support for the World Food Programme and its lifesaving work in Gaza. To that end, he emphasized Canada’s $100 million support earlier this year for the United Nations and other trusted partners in providing food and humanitarian aid.
Prime Minister Carney reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
May 18, 2025
Rome, Italy
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Vice President of the United States, JD Vance.
Building on their meeting earlier this month at the White House, the Prime Minister underscored to the Vice President that Canada and the United States are stronger when we work together.
To that end, the Prime Minister and the Vice President discussed efforts underway to secure borders, crack down on fentanyl, increase investments in defense and security, and find more areas of mutual co-operation.
The leaders spoke about the immediate trade pressures and the need to build a new economic and security relationship.
They agreed to stay in contact.
Associated Link
May 18, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, issued the following statement to mark Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day:
“Today marks 16 years since the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka – a conflict that spanned over 26 years and killed tens of thousands of civilians.
“On this Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we remember the lives lost – the families torn apart, the communities devastated, and those who remain missing to this day. We also think of Canada’s Tamil community, who carry with them the memory of loved ones, and the many remembrance services planned across Canada.
“Canada continues to support independent international efforts to seek accountability and push for truth and justice.
“As we mark this solemn anniversary, let it strengthen our resolve to act in tribute, with courage, and for lasting peace.”
May 15, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof.
Prime Minister Schoof congratulated Prime Minister Carney on his election. The leaders noted the strong and historic ties between Canada and the Netherlands, particularly as the two nations commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands this year.
The leaders discussed deepening trade and bolstering shared efforts to uphold international security. They agreed to remain in close contact.
Associated Link
May 15, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum.
President Sheinbaum congratulated Prime Minister Carney on his election. The leaders discussed building on the strong trade relationship between the two countries, grounded in the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, and the imperative to strengthen their respective economies against future shocks.
The leaders tasked their senior officials to immediately work to find opportunities to deepen bilateral relations and agreed to remain in close contact.
