Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during an event at a community centre in Ottawa on Friday, Oct. 10. (The Canadian Press)
Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Egypt tonight to attend a major peace summit aimed at ending the war in Gaza. The gathering, set for Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, will bring together world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, both of whom confirmed their attendance earlier this weekend.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the summit will mark the signing of a Middle East peace plan designed to secure lasting stability after months of violence between Israel and Hamas.
Ceasefire Holds as Hostage Release Nears
Carney’s trip comes as a fragile ceasefire continues to hold in Gaza. Under the current agreement, Hamas is required to release the remaining Israeli hostages by noon Monday. These individuals were taken captive during the group’s October 7, 2023 attack, which sparked the ongoing conflict.
Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian said Sunday that “we are expecting all 20 of our living hostages to be released together at one time to the Red Cross and transported among six to eight vehicles.”
Once freed, the hostages will be taken to a military base for reunions with their families or transferred directly to hospitals if needed.
In exchange, Israel will release approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees and also receive the bodies of 28 hostages believed to be dead. The Israeli military plans to hold a ceremony in Gaza in their honour.
Humanitarian Aid to Increase in Gaza
Preparations are underway along Gaza’s borders to deliver more humanitarian assistance as part of the peace plan. Israeli officials overseeing aid distribution confirmed that roughly 600 trucks per day will soon enter the territory, carrying food, medical supplies, and fuel.
The United Nations has already organized 170,000 tonnes of humanitarian goods, waiting for clearance to move into Gaza once the green light is given by Israeli authorities.
Canada’s Recognition of Palestine
Carney’s upcoming visit to Egypt follows Canada’s recent decision to formally recognize the State of Palestine. Announced last month, the move aims to protect the possibility of a two-state solution, something Carney has described as essential for long-term peace.
At the time, the Prime Minister’s Office said Canada’s recognition was meant “to preserve the prospect of a peaceful and negotiated settlement.” The statement added that Canada “offers its partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.”
Carney first made the announcement during a United Nations conference in New York, where he emphasized Canada’s support for democratic reform and peaceful coexistence.
Conditions for Palestinian Statehood
Canada’s recognition comes with key conditions. Ottawa expects the Palestinian Authority to carry out governance reforms, hold general elections in 2026, and ensure that Hamas plays no role in the new government. The agreement also requires the demilitarization of the Palestinian state.
The PMO said Canada will “intensify efforts to support the Palestinian Authority’s implementation of this reform agenda,” confirming that progress has already begun.
