US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will co-chair a major international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, aiming to formally end the war in Gaza and establish a foundation for lasting regional stability.
The summit, which will bring together leaders from more than twenty countries, represents a critical step in cementing the US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on Friday.
The gathering will serve as a signing ceremony for the peace plan, marking a historic turning point after two years of conflict that have left much of Gaza in ruins and resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths.
A Gathering for a New Era
The Egyptian presidency stated the summit aims to “end the war in the Gaza Strip, enhance efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, and usher in a new era of regional security and stability”.
The event acknowledges President Trump’s efforts in brokering the initial ceasefire and his broader vision for regional peace.
Confirmed attendees include a significant roster of world leaders, demonstrating widespread international support. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will be present, alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Ceasefire Holds as Gazans Return Home
The diplomatic push comes as a fragile calm settles over Gaza. The ceasefire has allowed tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians to begin returning to their homes in the north of the Strip.
For many, the journey has been bittersweet, as they return to find entire neighbourhoods reduced to rubble.
“My house, which I built 40 years ago, was gone in a moment,” said Ahmed al-Jabari, standing in the wreckage of a Gaza City street. “I’m happy that there is no blood, no killing (but) where will we go? Will we live 20 years in a tent?”.
Humanitarian agencies are now scrambling to scale up operations. The World Food Programme has stated it is ready to restore 145 food distribution points across Gaza, while UNICEF plans to increase supplies of high-energy food for malnourished children and other critical aid.
Aid groups are urgently calling for Israel to reopen more border crossings to allow sufficient aid to enter the devastated territory.
The Road Ahead and Political Reactions
The first phase of the agreement includes the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israel, a process set to begin on Monday.
However, the more complex second phase, which involves the disarmament of Hamas, the establishment of a new governing mechanism for Gaza, and a full Israeli withdrawal, remains to be negotiated.
A Hamas official has already stated that disarmament is “out of the question,” foreshadowing the challenges ahead.
The political significance of the deal was underscored in Tel Aviv, where a massive rally at Hostages Square saw family members of captives enthusiastically thanking the US administration.
Chants of “Thank you, Trump” were heard, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was met with boos when mentioned by US envoy Steve Witkoff.
As leaders converge on Sharm el-Sheikh, the world watches to see if this summit can truly translate a temporary truce into a durable peace.
Sources: Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Euro News