President Donald Trump joined more than 20 world leaders on Monday in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to sign a landmark Gaza ceasefire agreement as the first phase of the Israel-Hamas truce took effect. The summit brought together Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and officials from Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Turkey.
Signing the Trump Declaration
Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signed the memorandum titled “The Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity.” The document outlined symbolic commitments from the four leaders to support Gaza’s rebuilding and a diplomatic path toward lasting peace.
Trump called the agreement “a historic moment that took 3,000 years to get to” and emphasized its durability. The memo stressed resolving future disputes through diplomacy, protecting human rights, ensuring security, and upholding dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Prisoner Releases and Humanitarian Relief
As part of the ceasefire, Hamas released the remaining 20 Israeli hostages, while Israel freed over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Emotional reunions unfolded in Tel Aviv and Gaza, signaling a major step toward reconciliation.
Trump also announced the start of the second phase of his peace plan, focusing on rebuilding Gaza, though details remain limited. “Now, the rebuilding begins. The rebuilding is maybe going to be the easiest part,” he said, emphasizing logistical and humanitarian support for the region.
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Absence of Israeli and Hamas Leaders
Notably absent from the summit were representatives from Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited a Jewish holiday as his reason for not attending, despite having been invited.
Broader Regional Implications
Trump used the summit to urge Iran to participate in future peace negotiations, offering the possibility of sanctions relief in exchange for cooperation. The announcement reflects the administration’s broader Middle East strategy and highlights Trump’s personal involvement in post-war Gaza plans.
Path Forward
While the ceasefire and prisoner exchanges mark a significant milestone, questions remain about the governance of Gaza, Hamas’s role in future negotiations, and the long-term implementation of peace agreements. The summit in Sharm El-Sheikh represents a symbolic but critical step toward stability and reconstruction in the region.
Sources:
Aljazeera
