Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed optimism over a newly brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to supporting a lasting resolution to the conflict. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trudeau highlighted the importance of focusing on a two-state solution to ensure long-term peace in the region.
“This ceasefire gives us hope. Hope that we can now focus our attention on a true, lasting political solution to this conflict — a two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living side-by-side in safety, security, and dignity,” Trudeau said during a press conference alongside Canada’s provincial leaders.
The ceasefire agreement, facilitated by Egyptian and Qatari mediators with U.S. backing, comes after more than 15 months of violent conflict that has claimed over 46,000 Palestinian lives. The war began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which resulted in more than 1,200 Israeli fatalities and around 250 hostages taken into Gaza.
The deal is structured in three phases, with the first phase set to begin on Sunday. It includes a six-week ceasefire, the release of 33 Israeli hostages — primarily women, children, and elderly men — and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. In return, Israel will release a significant number of Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian aid is expected to increase throughout the ceasefire period.
Canada has been vocal in calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid flow into Gaza. The government, along with Australia and New Zealand, previously issued a joint statement condemning Hamas while emphasizing the need to protect Gaza’s civilian population. Last year, Canada shifted its stance at the United Nations by voting in favor of a resolution that called for a humanitarian pause in the conflict, marking a departure from its previous alignment with Israel on major resolutions.
Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s readiness to contribute to the ceasefire’s success, stating, “Canada stands ready to do whatever it can to ensure the success of this agreement.”
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, confirmed that the first phase of the ceasefire deal would commence on January 19. As negotiations continue, the focus will be on ensuring the release of remaining hostages, establishing a permanent ceasefire, and initiating Gaza’s reconstruction.
In Phase 2 of the deal, negotiators aim to finalize a permanent ceasefire and secure the release of all remaining hostages. The third and final phase will involve the return of deceased hostages’ remains and rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure under the supervision of Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.
U.S. President Joe Biden also confirmed the ceasefire, noting that American hostages would be released in the initial phase. “Fighting in Gaza will stop, and soon the hostages return home to their families,” Biden said. The U.S. administration has been actively involved in supporting negotiations.
While the ceasefire brings hope for a pause in violence, the toll of the conflict remains devastating. Israel’s military campaign has displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents and decimated critical infrastructure, including hospitals. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 46,000 fatalities since the conflict began, making it one of the deadliest periods in the region’s history.
As the ceasefire deal moves forward, the international community will closely monitor its implementation and the progress toward a lasting peace. The road ahead remains complex, but leaders like Trudeau continue to advocate for diplomacy and humanitarian aid to pave the way for a two-state solution that offers stability and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians.
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