Prime Minister Mark Carney has wrapped up his participation at the Middle East Peace Summit in Egypt, calling the gathering a historic moment that opens “a new chapter of hope for Palestinians and Israelis.”
The summit, hosted with the leadership of the United States and Egypt, marked what Carney described as a vital first step toward lasting peace in the region. He thanked U.S. President Donald J. Trump for advancing a comprehensive peace plan and showing essential leadership in securing the release of hostages and ending the war in Gaza. He also praised Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for their mediation efforts.
Carney urged Israel to open border crossings to allow large-scale humanitarian aid into Gaza and called for faster preparations for an international stabilization force to ensure Hamas’ disarmament, support Israeli withdrawal, and protect civilians. He welcomed efforts by the United States and France to develop a framework for a possible UN-mandated mission.
Canada reaffirmed its support for strengthening the Palestinian Authority so it can take on governance in Gaza and help move forward the next phase of the peace plan. The country has already committed more than $400 million in international assistance for humanitarian, peace, and development efforts in Palestine, including over $270 million in humanitarian aid.
During the summit, Carney met with leaders and officials from countries including France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Türkiye, Palestine, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as representatives from the United Nations. Discussions focused on cooperation in humanitarian relief, security, and reconstruction.
Looking ahead, Carney said Canada stands ready to support free and fair elections in Palestine, stressing that Hamas must play no role. He said the goal now is to help build momentum toward lasting stability and peace.
“The Gaza Peace Summit is an historic moment – one that opens a new chapter of hope for Palestinians and Israelis,” Carney said. “As we build on today’s progress, we must immediately turn our focus to the next steps of greater humanitarian relief, security, and development. The road to stability and peace remains long, but this is a vital first step.”
