U.S. President Donald Trump’s delayed arrival at the summit he organized in Egypt allowed Prime Minister Mark Carney and other leaders to engage in discussions about the future of Gaza and broader peace prospects in the Middle East, as per a senior Canadian government official familiar with the talks.
World leaders convened in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday to witness Trump signing a declaration with leaders from Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, advocating for lasting peace and prosperity in the region. However, Trump’s prolonged visit to Jerusalem and his speech at the Israeli Knesset, where he proclaimed “a new dawn for the Middle East,” caused him to keep his counterparts waiting.
Acknowledging the delay, Trump humorously commented, “They might not be there by the time I get there, but we’ll give it a shot.” This situation led to an impromptu meeting among Carney and other leaders at the Sharm el-Sheikh International Convention Centre, providing an opportunity for open and candid discussions.
During the meeting, leaders explored ways their nations could assist, with French President Emmanuel Macron proposing support for an international stabilization force for Gaza, a crucial component of Trump’s 20-point plan for the region. Carney emphasized the urgency of delivering additional aid promptly to Gaza, mentioning that Canada has supplies prepared for deployment. There were also talks about utilizing existing programs, including Operation Proteus, Canada’s contribution to the Office of the Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, to expedite aid deliveries.
Leaders advocated for immediate action on humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing the necessity for tangible improvements on the ground in the short term. Unlike typical international summits that prioritize gradual progress, this gathering focused on urgent measures. Regarding Trump’s unconventional communication style, leaders have grown accustomed to it, acknowledging his pivotal role in facilitating the summit and negotiations.
Recognizing the significance of Trump’s involvement in the Middle East peace process, leaders emphasized the need to keep him engaged. Carney underscored the critical nature of this objective, stating it was “mission critical.” The summit saw participation from nearly 30 countries, including representatives from Europe and the Middle East. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opted out, citing proximity to a Jewish holiday.
Following the summit, Carney took to social media to express optimism about the future, highlighting the event as a pivotal moment. He reaffirmed the focus on advancing peace and security in the Middle East, particularly in ensuring the swift delivery of life-saving aid. The recent conflict in Gaza, triggered by a surprise Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023, resulted in significant casualties and displacement, underscoring the urgent need for international cooperation and humanitarian assistance in the region.
