OTTAWA.
OTTAWA, Oct 3, 2025 – Prime Minister Mark Carney hailed Hamas’ latest commitments on hostage releases and power relinquishment Saturday as a critical step toward peace in Gaza, pledging Canada’s deepened involvement in international efforts to implement President Donald Trump’s comprehensive proposal.
In a statement posted to X, Carney wrote: “Canada welcomes commitments from Hamas to relinquish power and release all remaining hostages, living and deceased. We encourage all parties to immediately work to turn commitments into reality, and to advance peace and security in the region. We thank President Trump for his essential leadership.” He added that Ottawa is “intensifying its coordination with international partners to build a just and lasting peace,” while reaffirming support for “a sovereign, democratic, and viable State of Palestine” alongside Israel.
The remarks align with Canada’s September 21 recognition of Palestinian statehood, which explicitly conditioned the move on Hamas freeing all captives and abandoning any role in future Gaza governance. Carney’s post comes hours after Hamas reiterated its willingness to hand over the estimated 20 surviving Israeli hostages and remains of about 30 others seized during the October 7, 2023, attacks—contingent on Israel’s full withdrawal and other field conditions.
Global leaders echoed the optimism. French President Emmanuel Macron committed full backing to immediate hostage returns and a ceasefire under the U.S. framework, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen celebrated the breakthrough’s promise for family reunions and a massive influx of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The 20-point American plan, which Carney implicitly endorsed, mandates Hamas’ total disarmament and envisions a U.S.-overseen administration for Gaza after the transition.
Carney announced plans for a Washington visit next week to align with Trump on rollout details, signaling Ottawa’s proactive role in post-conflict stabilization. “We stand ready to support the sustained, unimpeded, and large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza,” he emphasized, amid reports of intensified Israeli airstrikes complicating aid routes.