Ottawa – Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State, spoke on Friday November 17 to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict. Secretary Blinken and Minister Joly emphasized the need for increased humanitarian access to Gaza, the immediate release of hostages and the protection of all civilians. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the conflict does not widen and discussed efforts to ensure the safe passage of foreign nationals and critically wounded civilians out of Gaza. Minister Joly and Secretary Blinken reiterated the strength of the Canada-US relationship and their shared commitment to ensuring security and prosperity in the region.