Trump and Leaders Sign Declaration for Gaza Peace at Sharm el-Sheikh Summit

Peace Declaration Signed by Global Leaders

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside the leaders of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye, formalized a declaration aimed at establishing peace in Gaza during a summit held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

This agreement was reached shortly after Israel and Hamas engaged in a hostage exchange as part of the initial phase of a ceasefire.

Trump remarked that the document would outline various rules and regulations, emphasizing its importance, stating, “It’s going to hold up.”

Under the first phase of the peace initiative, Hamas has released all living Israeli hostages, while Israel has freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

This phase also involves a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a reciprocal exchange of hostages.

Trump announced that a second phase of negotiations for a more comprehensive peace agreement is currently in progress, according to reports.

This development follows the Israeli government's approval of the ceasefire agreement proposed by Trump, which aims to halt hostilities and secure the release of Israeli hostages.

However, discussions regarding the next steps in Trump's 20-point peace plan remain ongoing, particularly concerning disarmament and governance in Gaza.

Israel's military operations in Gaza commenced in October 2023 after Hamas's attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals in southern Israel, leading to extensive air and ground assaults on Gaza, which have reportedly caused over 67,000 fatalities.

In August, the United Nations officially declared a famine in northern Gaza, and in September, a UN commission reported that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians. Israel dismissed the report as “distorted and false.”

Ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas have been ongoing since July, with earlier attempts to restore a brief ceasefire that began in January failing due to disagreements.

Details of Trump's Peace Proposal

The peace initiative introduced by Trump on September 29 includes plans for Israeli forces to partially withdraw from Gaza to facilitate the release of hostages.

Hamas members who agree to peaceful coexistence and disarmament will be granted amnesty, while those wishing to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to other countries.

The White House has stated that Israel will not annex Gaza, and no individuals will be compelled to leave the area.

The proposal also suggests the establishment of a “Board of Peace,” led by Trump, which will include international overseers, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, although his specific role has yet to be defined.

Gaza is expected to be managed by a temporary “technocratic, apolitical” committee made up of Palestinians and international experts, with oversight from the “Board of Peace.”

Importantly, the proposal stipulates that Hamas will not have any governing role in Gaza.