"Canadians are deeply concerned by the escalating tension and mounting loss of life in the region and call on both parties to exercise strong and decisive leadership to put a stop to hostilities. I urge both Israelis and Palestinians to act with the utmost restraint to end the current cycle of violence and allow authorities to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible.

I call on them not to let the events of the past few weeks undo all the progress they have made toward a just and lasting peace – the peace for which both Israelis and Palestinians -- indeed the entire world -- hope and pray.

Canada welcomes the continued efforts of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, the United States and Egypt to reinvigorate the peace process. And we are ready to use our good relations with the parties to advance this vital process in any way we can."