Payam Javan: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined a coalition of world leaders in Egypt on Monday for the signing of a landmark peace agreement aimed at ending the two-year war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The summit, held in the coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh, brought together heads of state including U.S. President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The agreement marks the first phase of a ceasefire plan that includes the release of hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks and a withdrawal of Israeli forces to an agreed-upon line.
Prime Minister Carney, who arrived in Egypt following an urgent departure from Ottawa, described the release of hostages as “a moment of profound relief” and called on all parties to uphold the terms of the ceasefire. “Canada stands ready to support the reconstruction of Gaza and the diplomatic efforts needed to sustain peace,” he said during a bilateral meeting with the Emir of Qatar.
The summit also addressed long-term rebuilding plans for Gaza, with leaders from Europe, the Arab world, and North America pledging humanitarian aid and technical support. Carney emphasized Canada’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy and praised Egypt’s role in facilitating the negotiations.
While the deal has been hailed as a breakthrough, observers caution that its success will depend on the sustained cooperation of regional actors and the enforcement of its terms. Still, the presence of leaders like Carney signals a renewed global focus on Middle East peace and the potential for broader reconciliation.