The world holds its breath as leaders gather to forge a path toward peace in Gaza. After a hard-won ceasefire, a summit of global leaders, spearheaded by the U.S. and Egypt, is underway in Sharm el-Sheikh. But what does this summit truly aim to achieve, and what challenges lie ahead? Let's dive in.
This meeting, dubbed "the Summit for Peace," is a critical step towards ending the devastating two-year war in Gaza. But here's where it gets controversial: the two main players, Israel and Hamas, won't be there. This absence immediately raises questions about the summit's effectiveness.
Leaders from various nations, including Turkey, Jordan, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, the United Nations, and the European Union, are in attendance. The summit coincides with the release of the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages by Hamas and the freeing of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners by Israel – crucial steps following the ceasefire that began on Friday.
So, why are these world leaders gathering? The primary goal is to support the ceasefire and pave the way for a more stable future. The U.S., Arab countries, and Turkey pressured both sides to agree to the first phase of the ceasefire. The summit aims to "end the war" and "usher in a new page of peace and regional stability," aligning with a vision proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. In March, Egypt proposed a post-war plan for Gaza, a counterproposal to a Trump plan that involved depopulating the territory.
The summit is expected to last about two hours, and a joint statement is anticipated. Under the first phase of the ceasefire, Israeli troops withdrew from some areas, allowing Palestinians to return home, and aid groups are preparing to bring in much-needed supplies.
But what happens next? The path ahead is complex. Negotiations must address key issues such as disarming Hamas, establishing a post-war government for Gaza, and the extent of Israel's withdrawal. Another major hurdle is raising funds for Gaza's reconstruction, with estimates reaching $53 billion. Egypt plans to host a future reconstruction conference.
Who's missing? Israel and Hamas, the two primary parties in the conflict, are notably absent. Negotiations have historically been indirect, with Egypt and Qatar acting as mediators. Iran, a key supporter of Hamas, is also not attending, reflecting its waning influence in the region.
The conference is likely to see world leaders praising the U.S.'s push for the ceasefire. For his part, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi is likely relieved that Egypt has warded off plans to depopulate the Gaza Strip. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who played a key role in the ceasefire agreement, is expected to attend, along with representatives from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
King Abdullah of Jordan is among the expected attendees, and his country, alongside Egypt, will train the new Palestinian security force. Germany, a strong supporter of Israel, plans to be represented by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has expressed concerns over Israel's conduct during the war. Britain's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, plans to pledge 20 million British pounds (approximately $27 million) for water and sanitation in Gaza and will host a conference to coordinate reconstruction plans. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, European Union President António Costa, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are also attending.
The summit is taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, a location with a history of peace negotiations. The town was briefly occupied by Israel in 1956 and has hosted numerous peace summits and negotiations over the decades.
What do you think? Will this summit lead to lasting peace, or are there too many obstacles? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Are you optimistic or skeptical about the future of Gaza?
