Prime Minister Mark Carney is traveling to Sharm el-Sheik this afternoon to participate in a high-profile peace summit following a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi will co-chair the summit alongside international leaders, with representation from Middle Eastern countries, as well as France, Germany, and the U.K. The summit aims to explore avenues for sustaining peace and facilitating humanitarian relief in Gaza.

Three-Day Truce in Gaza

The region is currently experiencing a three-day truce, allowing humanitarian agencies to provide essential aid. Food, medical supplies, and emergency services are being mobilized to reach civilians in the Gaza Strip while Israeli forces gradually withdraw from certain areas.

The truce comes after a violent conflict that caused significant casualties and damage across Gaza and parts of southern Israel. Relief organizations stress the urgent need for ongoing aid and support for affected communities.

Hostage Exchanges Underway

As part of the truce, Hamas is expected to release approximately 20 living hostages early Monday. In return, Israel will release several Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Following this, the bodies of roughly 28 Israeli hostages are also scheduled to be returned.

The hostage exchange is a significant step toward de-escalation, but experts note that questions remain about long-term ceasefire stability and the prospects for a permanent peace agreement.

Diplomatic Significance

President Trump played a central role in brokering the temporary ceasefire, demonstrating continued U.S. involvement in Middle East diplomacy. While the truce provides immediate relief, leaders at the Sharm el-Sheik summit are expected to discuss more comprehensive measures, including security guarantees, economic support for Gaza, and political frameworks for a lasting resolution.

Carney’s participation underscores Canada’s commitment to international peace efforts and humanitarian intervention. Officials indicate that discussions will also cover strategies to prevent renewed hostilities and ways to support regional stability.

Humanitarian and Political Challenges

Despite the temporary truce, multiple challenges remain. The situation in Gaza is precarious, with hospitals and infrastructure stretched thin after weeks of conflict. Aid distribution logistics are complicated by security concerns and ongoing tensions.

Politically, achieving a long-term peace agreement between Israel and Hamas has historically been fraught with difficulties, with disputes over borders, governance, and mutual recognition. Summit attendees will need to navigate these complex issues carefully.

The summit in Sharm el-Sheik represents a key moment for international diplomacy in the Middle East. While the immediate truce offers hope for civilians and hostages alike, sustained efforts and multilateral cooperation will be essential to translating short-term relief into lasting peace.