Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed optimism regarding the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel, viewing it as an “opportunity” for peace not only in Gaza but also for broader stability in the Middle East, which he envisions might include a Palestinian state committed to Israel’s security. In a recent interview with CNN International, Carney emphasized the necessity of achieving peace in Gaza as critical to realizing a two-state solution. He underscored that Palestinians must coexist with Israel in security, advocating for a “Zionist” Palestinian state that recognizes Israel’s right to prosper without fear.
Carney pointed out the potential for President Donald Trump to play a key role in this peace process, especially following the U.S. military’s decisive action against Iran’s nuclear facilities. The resulting ceasefire, he argued, could pave the way for a more stable situation in Gaza. He agreed that peace in the region cannot be achieved without addressing the needs and aspirations of Palestinians, including those in the West Bank. However, he noted the current administration in the U.S. has been reticent about endorsing a two-state solution, a stance he finds conflicting, especially amid a series of escalating conflicts and humanitarian crises.
The Prime Minister made it clear that a ceasefire should not be the only immediate solution; he called for the full resumption of humanitarian aid in Gaza, alongside the return of hostages held by Hamas, emphasizing the need for balanced solutions amidst escalating tensions. His statements echoed a joint declaration from G7 leaders who sought a broader de-escalation in the Middle East, suggesting that resolutions to the Iranian conflict could yield necessary peace in Gaza. This perspective, however, has angered Israeli leadership and U.S. officials who have been dismissive of the viability of a Palestinian state.
Reflecting on the recent regional unrest, Carney reassured that Canadian forces stationed in a U.S. military base in Qatar were unharmed despite Iranian aggression. He expressed alignment with Trump’s view that Iran’s military actions were somewhat de-escalatory, leading to the potential for further diplomatic progress in the region. Despite U.S. intelligence reports stating Iran’s nuclear program had not been restarted, Carney argued that evidence pointed to the regime hiding its true intentions. He characterized Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a direct threat, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these concerns.
In the context of NATO, Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to achieving the new defense spending target of five percent of GDP, which was a topic of discussion during the NATO summit in The Hague. He elaborated on the specifics of defense spending, indicating that a portion of this budget would be allocated to critical domestic infrastructure that aligns with NATO’s security needs. This commitment signifies Canada’s serious approach to fulfilling its obligations towards NATO and enhancing its military capabilities, which Carney views as beneficial for broader international relations, including those with the U.S.
Carney confirmed that Canada is enhancing its partnerships in defense and trade with other allies, signaling a proactive approach to international relations. He dismissed any notions that Canada’s pivot might strain ties with the U.S., clarifying that Canada’s strategies are designed to advance its own interests rather than react against American policies. Carney also highlighted the imperative of maintaining U.S. military support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts, regardless of shifts in U.S. political dynamics. He remains hopeful that Ukraine will continue to receive necessary military aid, suggesting that sanctions against Russia and collaborative efforts with NATO allies will remain crucial as the geopolitical landscape evolves.
