Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt – World leaders are gathering in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh today, October 13, 2025, for a high-stakes peace summit aimed at formally ending the nearly two-year war in Gaza. Co-chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and U.S. President Donald Trump, the summit brings together representatives from over 30 countries to broker a lasting agreement and chart a path for the region's future.
The conference begins amid a fragile but holding ceasefire that went into effect on October 10 following intensive negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States. In Gaza City, signs of nascent recovery are visible as bulldozers clear rubble and displaced Palestinians begin to return to their homes. The first phase of the truce agreement includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from key areas, the opening of aid crossings, and the release of hostages and prisoners.
U.S. President Donald Trump, a central figure in the diplomatic push, has expressed confidence that the ceasefire will hold and has urged all parties to adhere to the terms of the peace plan. His administration has been instrumental in shaping a proposal to end the war, which began in 2023, and transition to a post-conflict phase.
A major focus of the summit is the future governance of the Gaza Strip, a point of significant contention. The Palestinian Authority (PA), led by President Mahmoud Abbas who is in attendance, has signaled its readiness to collaborate with President Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to manage Gaza's recovery. This move is part of a broader plan to eventually transfer control of the strip from Hamas to a reformed PA. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly opposed the idea of the Palestinian Authority governing Gaza, setting the stage for difficult negotiations.
In a sign of international support for recovery efforts, the United Kingdom has pledged a £20 million ($27 million) aid package for essential services like water and sanitation in Gaza. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres are among the prominent leaders attending. The UK also announced plans to host a separate three-day international summit focused on Gaza's long-term reconstruction, involving governments and major financial institutions like the World Bank.
Beyond the political framework, mediators are continuing to work on finalizing a list for a potential prisoner and hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas. The summit's agenda is packed with critical discussions on security arrangements, humanitarian assistance, and the mechanisms needed to ensure stability across the Middle East.
As the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit unfolds, the international community is watching with cautious optimism. The success of the summit will hinge on the ability of world leaders to bridge deep-seated political divides and translate the current pause in fighting into a durable and comprehensive peace for the war-torn region.