Global leaders convened Monday at a high-level peace summit in Egypt aimed at solidifying a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and laying the groundwork for Gaza’s reconstruction and future governance. The talks, held in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, represent one of the most significant diplomatic efforts since the conflict erupted.
The summit was co-hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, drawing representatives from more than 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Qatar, and members of the European Union. Absent, however, were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders both opting to remain on the sidelines as negotiations continue through mediators.
Announcing the signing on social media, the White House declared:
“PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST. 🇺🇸🕊️ President Donald J. Trump alongside dozens of world leaders: ‘With the historic agreement we’ve just signed, those prayers of millions have finally been answered… Together, we have achieved what everybody said was impossible. At long last, we have peace in the Middle East.’”
The summit’s primary agenda focused on ensuring the durability of the ceasefire, facilitating the exchange of hostages and prisoners, and advancing plans for Gaza’s reconstruction. Participants also discussed frameworks for future governance and security arrangements in the territory, which remains devastated by months of fighting.
In a joint declaration issued at the close of the talks, attendees emphasized that “this moment must not be squandered,” warning that peace will only hold if all parties act with restraint and transparency.
Egyptian President al-Sisi described the summit as “the last chance for peace in the region,” urging both Israel and Hamas to uphold their commitments. He reaffirmed Cairo’s longstanding support for a two-state solution as the foundation for regional stability.
President Trump presented the signing of the initial ceasefire and prisoner-exchange agreement as a “major step toward lasting peace,” saying the deal “spells out rules and responsibilities that will bring stability to Gaza and the region.”
The agreement, however, is only the first phase of a broader plan. Several unresolved issues remain including the disarmament of militant groups, mechanisms for post-conflict governance, and the pace of humanitarian aid delivery.
In Gaza, residents welcomed the promise of reconstruction but remain wary after years of unfulfilled pledges and recurring violence.
Meanwhile, other regional leaders — including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani — called for greater international support for Gaza’s recovery and emphasized that reconstruction must go hand in hand with political reform and accountability.
While the summit ended without all key actors present, it marked an important moment of global coordination. World leaders agreed to form a follow-up committee to oversee implementation of the ceasefire and reconstruction plan, with Egypt and the United States taking lead roles.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised President Trump for delivering peace between Israel and Palestine, and further stated that the UK will support the implementation plan.
“President Trump, this is your achievement. I thank you for your tireless efforts to deliver this moment.
The UK stands ready to support a full implementation of the peace plan,
As we mark the end of two years of unimaginable suffering – I thank President Trump for this incredible achievement.
We must seize this moment to deliver lasting peace for the whole region,” Starmer posted on his social media platform.
The Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney travelled to Egypt to support the Gaza peace efforts championed by President Trump, where he joined over 20 other world leaders.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney praised the signing of the ceasefire deal, calling it “a historic step toward a just and lasting peace.” In an official statement, he said, “The first phase of today’s historic peace plan has been signed, opening a new chapter for Israelis, Palestinians, and the world. Canada commends the leadership of President Trump, and leaders of Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye for enabling this step toward a just and lasting peace.”
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