Canadian PM Mark Carney, alongside France and Germany, slams Israel’s plan to seize Gaza City, warning it endangers hostages and worsens the humanitarian crisis.
OTTAWA / PARIS / BERLIN — Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday joined a growing wave of international condemnation against Israel’s newly approved plan to seize control of Gaza City, warning it would “put the lives of hostages at greater risk” and deepen the humanitarian catastrophe.
“We join many others in viewing that this is wrong,” Carney told reporters, stressing that the military move “will not improve conditions on the ground” and would endanger rather than save captives still held by Hamas. He reiterated Canada’s call for an immediate ceasefire, alongside a demand for the release of all hostages and their remains.
“We reiterate that Hamas has no role going forward, and we will continue to work with our allies to contribute what we can to achieving those outcomes,” Carney said.
France & Germany Align Against the Plan
In Paris, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot blasted the Israeli operation, writing on X that “France strongly condemns the Israeli government’s plan aimed at preparing for the complete occupation of Gaza.” Barrot warned such a move would “worsen an already catastrophic situation without enabling the release of Hamas hostages, its disarmament, or its surrender.”
Earlier in the day, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a sweeping arms embargo on Israel, citing deep concern over the suffering in Gaza and cautioning Jerusalem “not to take any steps toward annexation” of Judea and Samaria.
Canada’s Diplomatic Shift
Carney’s latest remarks follow his announcement last week that Canada will recognize a “State of Palestine” in September, contingent on the Palestinian Authority meeting specific governance and security benchmarks. Canada was also among the 26 nations that last month demanded an immediate halt to the Gaza war, accusing Israel of placing “unacceptable restrictions” on humanitarian aid.
The prime minister, who succeeded Justin Trudeau, also faced scrutiny during the election campaign after a protester at a Calgary rally shouted: “There is a genocide happening in Palestine.” Carney responded on stage, “Thank you…I’m aware. Which is why we have an arms embargo.”
Pressed later by reporters, Carney walked back the remark, saying he had not heard the word “genocide” and was referring to Canada’s existing arms restrictions. “It’s noisy. I heard ‘Gaza,’ and my point was I’m aware of the situation,” he clarified.
Israel Fires Back
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly rebuked Carney:
“Canada has always sided with civilization. So should Mr. Carney. But instead of supporting Israel — a democracy fighting a just war with just means against the barbarians of Hamas — he attacks the one and only Jewish state. Mr. Carney, backtrack your irresponsible statement!”
The clash underscores widening tensions between Israel and several of its traditional Western allies, as Jerusalem pushes forward with its most aggressive Gaza operation since October 7.
