Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to depart tonight for Egypt to participate in the signing of a peace agreement for the Middle East aimed at resolving the conflict in Gaza. The announcement was made by his office on Sunday afternoon. Carney will be joining global leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who confirmed their attendance the day before. The summit is set to take place on Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
Carney’s trip coincides with a current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which remains in effect as preparations are underway for the anticipated release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees. As per the ceasefire terms, Hamas is expected to release the remaining hostages, who were captured on October 7, 2023, during a surprise attack on Israel that sparked the conflict, by noon on Monday.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated that all 20 living hostages are anticipated to be released simultaneously to the Red Cross and escorted by six to eight vehicles. The hostages will be reunited with their families at a military base or immediately taken to a hospital if necessary. Following the release of the hostages, Israel is committed to releasing around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and receiving the 28 hostages presumed deceased, with a planned ceremony to honor them in Gaza.
At the same time, efforts are ongoing at Gaza’s borders to increase the flow of aid into the war-ravaged region. The Israeli military overseeing humanitarian aid in Gaza indicated that the aid deliveries are expected to rise to approximately 600 trucks per day on Sunday, in line with the agreement. The United Nations has confirmed readiness to deliver about 170,000 tonnes of essential supplies, including food and medicine, once Israel grants approval.
Prime Minister Carney’s upcoming journey to Egypt marks his first visit to the Middle East since Canada officially recognized a Palestinian state last month. The decision was made to support the potential for a two-state resolution, as expressed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in a previous statement. Concerns were raised by the PMO regarding actions by Hamas and Israel that could jeopardize the chances of a negotiated settlement.
Canada’s recognition of the Palestinian state was initially announced in July by Carney, with the condition that the Palestinian authority, governing parts of the West Bank, fulfills specific obligations. These commitments include governance reforms, upcoming general elections in 2026 excluding Hamas, and the demilitarization of the Palestinian state. The PMO highlighted ongoing efforts to assist the Palestinian Authority in implementing the reform agenda.
The PMO emphasized Canada’s commitment to supporting both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel in building a peaceful future together. Carney’s address at a United Nations conference in New York reiterated Canada’s official recognition of the state of Palestine in alignment with international partners, aiming to facilitate peace and a two-state solution.
