World Leaders Convene in Egypt to Solidify Gaza Ceasefire Amid Netanyahu's Absence

President Donald Trump joined more than 20 world leaders in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday to discuss Gaza's future, coinciding with the initial phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. Attendees included Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and officials from Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey.

The summit featured a signing ceremony where Trump, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani formalized a document related to the ceasefire. The exact content of the document has not been publicly disclosed.

Notably absent from the talks were representatives from Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office cited the Jewish holiday as the reason for his absence, despite a direct invitation from President Trump.

Prior to the summit, Trump addressed Israel's parliament, the Knesset, declaring a "new dawn in the Middle East" and stating that the Gaza war was over. He emphasized the importance of translating military victories into lasting peace and prosperity for the region.

As part of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas released the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages on Monday, while Israel freed Palestinian prisoners. Emotional reunions took place in Tel Aviv and Gaza as families were reunited.

Looking ahead, Trump indicated that the second phase of his proposed peace plan is underway, though details remain sparse. He also extended an invitation to Iran to engage in peace talks, suggesting that lifting sanctions could be possible if discussions commence.