The Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt sealed a crucial document on Monday to support a Gaza ceasefire deal recently forged out of intense mediation—but notably without direct participation from Israel or Hamas.
Signed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, U.S. President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the agreement outlines a pathway for ending hostilities, securing Gaza’s borders, and launching a massive reconstruction effort.
More than 20 nations and numerous organizations joined the talks, though Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were absent. Egyptian officials say negotiations dove into governance structures, security protocols, and rebuilding roads, schools and hospitals in Gaza.
"This agreement is a glimmer of hope to close a painful chapter of conflict," President al-Sisi declared at the summit’s opening. He emphasized that all phases—from the ceasefire to the long-term two-state solution—must be fully implemented. President Trump, calling it "the greatest deal of them all," added, "Now the rebuilding begins."
In an emotional turn, Israel’s military confirmed the safe return of all 20 hostages still alive, transferred by the Red Cross to Tel Aviv. Crowds at Hostage Square celebrated as buses in Gaza carried the first of nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees released under the accord.
Yet serious hurdles remain: identifying the fate of dozens of missing individuals, ensuring food and fuel reach over half a million displaced residents facing famine, and setting up governance and policing in Gaza. The UN has doubled down on urgent aid, with an extra $11 million pledged by UN aid chief Tom Fletcher to ramp up shelter, medicine and supplies.
As families reunite and the first bricks in Gaza are laid, the world watches to see if this fragile peace can hold—and whether international unity will translate into tangible change on the ground.
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Document to support Gaza ceasefire deal signed at summit in Egypt
cgtn.com
