In a landmark moment for Middle East peace, over 20 world leaders gathered at the “Summit for Peace” in Egypt to endorse a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, formally signing the Gaza Declaration. Co-chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, the agreement marks the end of the two-year Israel-Hamas war that began on October 7, 2023, and has claimed over 67,000 lives in Gaza alone.
The declaration, part of Trump’s comprehensive Gaza peace plan, commits signatories to immediate humanitarian actions, phased hostage and prisoner exchanges, and long-term reconstruction efforts.
While neither Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor Hamas representatives attended the summit—Netanyahu citing a Jewish holiday—the Palestinian Authority’s President Mahmoud Abbas was present to lend his endorsement, signaling a potential role for the PA in postwar Gaza governance.Key Provisions of the Gaza DeclarationThe agreement outlines a multi-phase roadmap to lasting peace:
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- Immediate Ceasefire: Military operations have halted since October 11, 2025, with Trump declaring in a speech to Israel’s Knesset, “The war is over… This long nightmare is finally ending for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
- Hostage and Prisoner Exchanges: Hamas released all 20 remaining living Israeli hostages on October 13, including high-profile cases like twins Gali and Ziv Berman. In return, Israel freed over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, with 154 already deported via Egypt to third countries. The deal also includes the handover of remains of deceased hostages.
- Humanitarian Aid Surge: Commitments for unrestricted aid into Gaza, including the UK’s £20 million pledge for water and sanitation repairs, and the shutdown of controversial U.S.-Israeli aid distribution sites.
- Postwar Framework: Future phases address Gaza’s governance, with proposals for a “Board of Peace” and pressures on Hamas for disarmament. Netanyahu expressed openness to new peace treaties with Arab nations, while the UN’s Antonio Guterres urged all parties to “honor their commitments.”
Signatories included leaders from Italy (Giorgia Meloni), Pakistan (Shehbaz Sharif), France (Emmanuel Macron), the UK (Keir Starmer), Germany, Turkey, Jordan, and the EU (Kaja Kallas), alongside UN and Indian representatives.
Iran notably declined participation.
The releases sparked joyous reunions in Israel, with families gathering in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square. Israeli President Isaac Herzog hailed the moment, stating, “We are waiting for everyone—every last one.” Trump, awarded Egypt’s Order of the Nile and Israel’s highest civilian honor, received a standing ovation in the Knesset and even floated pardoning Netanyahu on corruption charges.
Hamas welcomed the truce but called for international monitoring to prevent Israeli “aggression.” Palestinian families of released prisoners expressed hope, with one mother telling reporters, “This could be the path to real peace, if they let it.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced support, saying, “We welcome the release of all hostages… and back President Trump’s sincere efforts to bring peace to the region.”Looking Ahead: Challenges RemainAs the ceasefire enters its fourth day, attention turns to implementation. Negotiations continue on including senior Palestinian leaders in releases and ensuring Hamas’s disarmament.
French President Macron described Abbas’s attendance as a “very good sign” for PA reforms, while EU chief Kallas credited Trump for the “crucial milestone.”Critics, including a left-wing Israeli lawmaker who interrupted Trump’s speech demanding Palestinian state recognition, warn that without addressing root causes like occupation, the peace could be fragile. Yet, for now, the world watches as the Gaza Declaration offers a glimmer of hope after years of devastation.
