At a summit in Egypt convened by U.S. President Donald Trump, delayed by his late arrival, leaders like Prime Minister Mark Carney engaged in discussions about the future of Gaza and broader peace in the Middle East. The gathering in Sharm el-Sheikh witnessed Trump, along with leaders from Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, sign a declaration calling for lasting peace and prosperity in the region. Despite Trump’s tardiness due to a prolonged visit to Jerusalem and speech at the Israeli Knesset, the delay led to an impromptu meeting among Carney and other leaders at the Sharm el-Sheikh International Convention Centre.
During the meeting, leaders explored avenues for providing assistance, with French President Emmanuel Macron proposing backing for an international stabilization force in Gaza, aligned with Trump’s 20-point plan for the area. Carney emphasized the urgent need to deliver aid promptly to Gaza, noting Canada’s readiness with supplies. Discussions also revolved around leveraging existing programs such as Operation Proteus to expedite aid distribution.
There was a consensus among leaders at the summit on the necessity for immediate action in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and effecting tangible changes on the ground promptly. Unlike typical gradual approaches seen in international forums, this gathering emphasized urgent and decisive actions. Leaders acknowledged the unique style of Trump’s communication but recognized his pivotal role in advancing peace initiatives in the Middle East.
Notably, nearly 30 countries participated in the summit, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu notably absent due to a Jewish holiday. Following the summit, Carney expressed optimism for progress towards peace and security in the Middle East, emphasizing the prompt delivery of life-saving aid. The recent conflict in Gaza, triggered by a surprise Hamas attack in 2023, resulted in significant casualties and displacement, underscoring the urgent need for international support and intervention.