OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to depart for Egypt this afternoon to participate in a significant summit focused on a truce brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump between Israel and Hamas. The summit will take place in Sharm el-Sheikh, where President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt will co-chair discussions aimed at fostering peace in the region.
The upcoming summit is expected to attract heads of government and state from various countries across the Middle East, in addition to representatives from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. World leaders will gather to discuss the ongoing conflict and the recent ceasefire that seeks to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the violence.
As of today, the truce has been in effect for three days, allowing aid organizations to prepare to deliver essential food and medical supplies to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Concurrently, Israel is gradually withdrawing its military forces from the area, signaling a hopeful step towards stability.
In a related development, Hamas is anticipated to release approximately 20 living hostages on Monday morning. This release is expected to coincide with Israel's decision to free Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Moreover, the exchange will include the return of the remains of around 28 Israeli hostages. Such actions underline the delicate negotiations that are unfolding amid the truce.
While President Trump played a critical role in brokering the current truce, there remain significant uncertainties regarding the establishment of a prolonged ceasefire. Furthermore, there are ongoing questions about the potential for reaching a comprehensive peace agreement that would address the underlying issues fueling the conflict.
The discussions at the summit in Egypt will inevitably touch on these pressing concerns, as world leaders seek to contribute to a sustainable resolution. As history has shown, achieving lasting peace in the region presents complex challenges that require concerted effort and cooperation among various stakeholders.
This report highlights the ongoing developments in the Middle East and the international community's response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With humanitarian needs rising and diplomatic efforts in motion, the coming days may prove crucial in the pursuit of a lasting peace.
– This report originally appeared in The Canadian Press on October 12, 2025.
Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press
