Prime Minister Carney travels to Egypt for Gaza peace summit as Israel-Hamas hostage swap and ceasefire unfold.
Carney Flies to Egypt for Crucial Gaza Peace Talks
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to depart tonight for Egypt, where he will participate in a high-stakes Middle East peace summit aimed at ending the ongoing war in Gaza.
The gathering, scheduled for Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, will host global leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer confirmed his attendance yesterday, signaling broad international engagement.
Ceasefire Holds Ahead of Hostage and Prisoner Exchange
Carney’s trip comes as a fragile ceasefire continues between Israel and Hamas, just in time for the anticipated release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Under the agreement, Hamas is expected to release the remaining Israeli hostages by noon on Monday. These hostages were captured on October 7, 2023, during a surprise attack that ignited the current conflict.
An Israeli government spokesperson, Shosh Bedrosian, confirmed, “We are expecting all 20 of our living hostages to be released together to the Red Cross and transported in six to eight vehicles.” Afterward, the hostages will be taken to a military base to reunite with their families or, if necessary, receive immediate medical attention.
In return, Israel plans to release roughly 2,000 Palestinian detainees and honor the 28 hostages presumed dead through a formal ceremony in Gaza.
Humanitarian Aid Set to Increase in Gaza
On Gaza’s borders, preparations are underway to ramp up humanitarian support. The Israeli military responsible for aid coordination expects the daily delivery of supplies to increase to about 600 trucks, in line with the ceasefire agreement.
The United Nations has reported that 170,000 tonnes of food, medicine, and other essential aid are ready to enter Gaza as soon as Israeli authorities give clearance.
Canada’s Role in Middle East Peace Efforts
Carney’s journey to Egypt marks his first trip to the Middle East since Canada officially recognized the state of Palestine last month. The move, the Prime Minister’s Office explained, is designed to protect the possibility of a two-state solution.
The PMO also stressed that ongoing hostilities between Hamas and Israel are threatening the prospects for a negotiated peace, making international engagement more critical than ever.
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