A ceasefire in Gaza: A glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing conflict. World leaders are gathering in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, for a summit aimed at solidifying the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. But what does this summit truly entail, and what challenges lie ahead? Let's dive in.
The summit, co-chaired by the U.S. and Egyptian presidents, is being called "the Summit for Peace." The goal? To support the end of the war in Gaza after a breakthrough ceasefire deal. But here's where it gets controversial: neither Israel nor Hamas, the two main parties involved in the conflict, are expected to attend. Instead, leaders from Turkey, Jordan, Britain, Germany, France, Italy, the United Nations, and the European Union, among others, will be present.
The summit's timing is significant. It coincides with the scheduled release of the 20 remaining Israeli hostages by Hamas and the expected release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. These actions are crucial steps following the ceasefire that began on Friday. However, major questions remain unanswered, raising concerns about a potential return to war.
A New Chapter or a Repeat of the Past?
The pressure to reach a ceasefire came from various sources, including the United States, Arab countries, and Turkey. Both Israel and Hamas require international and regional support to navigate the complex issues that lie ahead.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi's office stated that the summit aims to "end the war" in Gaza and "usher in a new page of peace and regional stability," aligning with U.S. President Donald Trump's vision. In March, Egypt proposed a postwar plan for Gaza that would allow its 2.3 million residents to remain, a counterproposal to a Trump plan that aimed to depopulate the territory. The co-chairing of the summit by the two leaders indicates a collaborative approach to finding a path forward.
What's on the Agenda?
The summit, expected to last approximately two hours, is unlikely to address all the remaining issues in depth. A joint statement is anticipated from el-Sissi and Trump at the end. Under the first phase of the ceasefire, Israeli troops have withdrawn from certain areas of Gaza, allowing Palestinians to return home. Aid organizations are preparing to deliver substantial amounts of aid that has been blocked from entering the territory for months.
Tackling the Core Issues
Negotiations will need to address critical issues, including disarming Hamas, establishing a post-war government for Gaza, and determining the extent of Israel's withdrawal. Trump's plan also includes the development of a new Palestinian security force with the help of regional and international partners.
Reconstruction and Recovery: A Massive Undertaking
Another significant challenge is raising funds for rebuilding Gaza. The World Bank and Egypt's postwar plan estimate that reconstruction and recovery efforts will require $53 billion. Egypt plans to host a future reconstruction conference.
Who's Missing?
Notably absent from the summit are Israel and Hamas. The two primary parties, known for their deep distrust and past failed negotiations, will not be in attendance. Negotiations have historically been indirect, with Egypt and Qatar acting as mediators. Also missing is Iran, a key supporter of Hamas. Iran views the ceasefire as a victory for Hamas, but it also highlights Iran's declining influence in the region.
A Stage for World Leaders
The conference is likely to see world leaders praising Trump's efforts to achieve a ceasefire. El-Sissi is almost certainly relieved that Egypt has prevented plans to depopulate the Gaza Strip. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to attend, as Turkey played a crucial role in facilitating the ceasefire agreement. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are also expected to participate.
King Abdullah of Jordan will be among the attendees, with Jordan, alongside Egypt, set to train the new Palestinian security force. Germany, a strong supporter of Israel, will be represented by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has expressed concerns about Israel's actions during the war and its plans for a military takeover of Gaza. Britain's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, will pledge 20 million British pounds (equivalent to 27 million dollars) to support water and sanitation in Gaza and will host a conference to coordinate plans for Gaza's reconstruction and recovery.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, European Union President António Costa, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have also confirmed their attendance.
The Venue: A History of Peace Negotiations
The summit is taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, a Red Sea resort town in Egypt, which has hosted numerous peace negotiations over the past decades. The town was briefly occupied by Israel in 1956 and later returned to Egypt in 1982 after a peace treaty. Under President Hosni Mubarak, Sharm el-Sheikh hosted many peace summits and negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Under El-Sissi, it's hosting its first peace summit.
Controversy Alert: The absence of the main parties in the conflict raises questions about the summit's effectiveness. What are your thoughts? Do you believe this summit can truly bring about lasting peace, or is it just a temporary measure? Share your opinions in the comments below!
