Both Canada’s minister of foreign affairs and the minister of international development are in Cairo, Egypt, Saturday and Sunday to take part in what is being called the “Cairo Peace Summit.”

In a statement early Saturday morning, Melanie Joly and Ahmed Hussen say they will be meet with their counterparts and foreign officials.

The statement also notes that they will reiterate Canada’s unequivocal condemnation of the terror attack by Hamas two weeks ago on October 7, while also highlighting Canada’s concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Joly will also be meeting with staff at the Canadian embassy in Cairo for a discussion about their efforts to support Canadians in the region, including their work to help Canadians leave the Gaza Strip.

The summit also includes dozens of regional leaders and other senior western officials, with a major focus on seeking a ceasefire.

Tensions have been further stoked in the region, as the Lebanese terrorist organization Hezbollah has been trading fire with Israel since the war began, and has threatened to join the fight if the Israeli Defence Force goes ahead with an expected ground invasion of Gaza.

More than 14,000 Canadians are registered with the federal government as being in Lebanon, and Global Affairs Canada is urging all of them to get out of the country while they are still able.

The Canadian Armed Forces is preparing for any possible evacuations.