Historic Summit in Egypt Leads Major Steps Toward Gaza Peace

On October 13, 2025, the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh hosted a pivotal international summit aimed at advancing the Gaza peace process. Co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump, the summit brought together representatives from approximately 30 countries to discuss the implementation of the initial phase of a U.S.-brokered peace plan designed to end the two-year conflict in Gaza.

The summit's primary objectives included solidifying the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza, and planning for the region's reconstruction. Discussions also addressed the future governance of Gaza and broader Middle East peace initiatives.

Notably absent from the summit was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who declined the invitation, citing the proximity to a Jewish holiday. Despite his absence, Netanyahu expressed gratitude to President Trump for his peace efforts, particularly through a strategy described as "peace through strength."

The summit followed a significant development on October 9, 2025, when Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The agreement, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, included the release of all remaining hostages and prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed-upon line. This marked a pivotal step toward a durable and lasting peace in the region.

The deal, brokered in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with the involvement of mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, included a hostage and prisoner exchange. Hamas agreed to release all 20 surviving Israeli hostages and the remains of others taken during the October 7, 2023, attack, while Israel committed to releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences. Additionally, the agreement provided for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, expected to begin shortly after the agreement's implementation. The deal also facilitated the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, addressing severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a "diplomatic success and a national and moral victory," expressing hope that all hostages would be brought home soon. However, some members of Netanyahu's coalition expressed reservations about the deal.

Hamas indicated a willingness to proceed with the agreement, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive and lasting peace. The full implementation of the peace plan is contingent upon the successful execution of this first phase.

The 2025 Gaza Peace Summit represents a significant step toward resolving one of the most protracted conflicts in modern history. The collaborative efforts of international leaders and the comprehensive nature of the peace plan offer renewed hope for peace and stability in the Middle East.