Sharm el-Sheikh: U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Egypt on Monday to co-chair an international peace summit alongside Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, marking a critical moment in ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring lasting stability to the Middle East. The summit, held in Sharm el-Sheikh, comes as world leaders prepare to witness the formal signing of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking briefly before the official signing ceremony, Trump announced that “phase two of the ceasefire negotiations has begun,” signaling that discussions are now moving beyond immediate conflict cessation to address deeper issues including reconstruction, prisoner exchanges, and long-term security guarantees.
When asked by reporters about the situation following the release of all surviving hostages, Trump’s response turned somber. “They’re looking for bodies... they’re gonna be finding quite a few of them,” he said, acknowledging the grim aftermath of the recent conflict and the human toll that remains to be reckoned with.
Trump was accompanied by a senior delegation including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who has long played a pivotal role in U.S.-brokered peace negotiations in the region. Witkoff commended Kushner for his continued commitment and behind-the-scenes work that helped bring the parties closer to an agreement.
According to sources close to the talks, the first phase of the ceasefire focuses on ending hostilities, ensuring humanitarian aid access, and establishing monitoring mechanisms, while the upcoming second phase will tackle border arrangements, security frameworks, and political reconciliation efforts.
The Egyptian presidency confirmed that leaders and representatives from over 20 countries are attending the summit, including delegates from Europe, the Arab League, and the United Nations. The gathering aims to “end the war in the Gaza Strip, strengthen peace initiatives, and build a foundation for regional stability,” a statement from Cairo read.
El-Sisi, in his opening remarks, emphasized Egypt’s ongoing commitment to peace and humanitarian cooperation, praising international partners for their role in mediating the truce. He called for “collective responsibility to ensure that peace is not just signed but sustained,” underscoring the need for reconstruction and economic revival in Gaza.
Diplomatic analysts view Trump’s visit as a significant move in restoring U.S. influence in Middle Eastern negotiations, particularly after his earlier term saw the Abraham Accords reshape several Arab-Israeli relationships. The new peace initiative is seen as a potential follow-up framework that could redefine security alignments across the region.
As the summit continues, expectations remain cautious but hopeful. Both American and Egyptian officials described the event as an “inflection point” an opportunity to transform fragile ceasefires into lasting peace agreements that could stabilize one of the world’s most volatile regions.
For now, all eyes are on Sharm el-Sheikh, where the world watches to see whether this renewed effort under Trump’s leadership can succeed in bridging old divides and ushering in a new era of regional coexistence and stability.