Trump Participates in Historic Signing Ceremony at Gaza Peace Summit

In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump joined leaders from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey on October 13, 2025, to sign the 'Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity' at the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. This agreement marks the first phase of a comprehensive plan aimed at ending the two-year Israel-Hamas conflict and establishing a framework for lasting peace in the region.

The summit, co-chaired by President Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, brought together representatives from over 20 nations, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Notably absent were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas representatives. Netanyahu's office cited the proximity to a Jewish holiday as the reason for his absence, despite a personal invitation from President Trump. Hamas declined to attend, rejecting the proposed transitional governance plan for Gaza, which includes international oversight by figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The agreement includes several key provisions: the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas, the exchange of nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees, and the establishment of a transitional government in Gaza involving international figures. Humanitarian aid is set to resume, and reconstruction efforts are planned to commence, contingent upon the demilitarization of Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. President Trump emphasized the need for a 'clean-up' in Gaza, stating, 'Now the rebuilding begins.'

While the agreement has been hailed as a significant step toward peace, experts caution that the hard work is just beginning. The plan's ambiguity regarding the future of Gaza and the lack of a clear commitment to a two-state solution have raised concerns. President Trump avoided endorsing Palestinian statehood, stating only, 'We'll have to see,' while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to oppose a separate Palestinian state. The peace plan proposes a transitional government in Gaza involving international figures like former UK PM Tony Blair, rejected by Hamas.

Despite these challenges, the summit has been widely praised for its diplomatic achievements. Crowds in both Gaza and Israel celebrated the ceasefire agreement, chanting President Trump's name and calling for him to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. The international community remains cautiously optimistic as the next phases of the peace plan unfold.