Historic Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh Aims to Resolve Gaza Conflict

On October 13, 2025, the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh hosted a pivotal international summit aimed at addressing the longstanding conflict in Gaza. Co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump, the gathering brought together leaders from over 20 nations to solidify a ceasefire and chart a course toward enduring peace in the Middle East.

The summit culminated in the signing of the "Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity," a comprehensive agreement endorsed by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. This declaration formalized the ceasefire in Gaza and outlined a multi-phase plan for reconstruction and governance. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas representatives were absent from the proceedings, raising questions about the agreement's inclusivity and potential effectiveness.

Background

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has persisted for decades, with Gaza experiencing significant violence and humanitarian crises. The recent escalation, beginning in October 2023, resulted in substantial casualties and displacement. On October 9, 2025, a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was announced, marking the first phase toward ending over two years of violent conflict in Gaza. The initial phase included Israel's phased military withdrawal from Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas, estimated at 48. In exchange, Israel agreed to release around 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees captured after the conflict began on October 7, 2023.

Summit Participants

The summit saw participation from leaders including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend, citing scheduling conflicts, and Hamas representatives were absent.

Key Agreements

The "Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity" encompasses several critical components:

• Ceasefire Formalization: An immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza.

• Reconstruction Plans: Initiatives for rebuilding Gaza's infrastructure and economy.

• Governance Framework: Establishment of a transitional technocratic Palestinian committee to oversee governance, monitored by a proposed "Board of Peace."

International Oversight

The proposed "Board of Peace," to be chaired by President Trump and including figures like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, aims to supervise the transitional governance and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Direct Quotes from Officials

• President El-Sisi: Emphasized the urgency of delivering aid and establishing mechanisms for oversight and future security.

• President Trump: Hailed the agreement as possibly his “biggest accomplishment,” emphasizing peace during addresses in Tel Aviv and the Knesset, calling the agreement the “historic dawn of a new Middle East.”

Implications

The absence of key stakeholders like Israel and Hamas raises questions about the plan's effectiveness and the feasibility of achieving lasting peace in the region. Critics point to the lack of detailed implementation strategies and a clear commitment to a two-state solution.

The summit underscores Egypt's pivotal role in mediating Middle East peace efforts and highlights the international community's vested interest in resolving the Gaza conflict.

Conclusion

The Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit represents a significant diplomatic endeavor to address the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the agreements reached signal a hopeful step toward peace, the path forward remains fraught with challenges, necessitating sustained international commitment and inclusive dialogue to achieve a lasting resolution.